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SKETCH 






FROM 

.ITS SETTLEMENT 

TO 

THE PRESENT TIME. 






S^'gS©<^»^S 



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HISTORY OF ATTIL.E]C0I10UG1I, 



ITS SETTLiEME^T 



THE PRESENT TIME. 



BY JOHI*r DAGGETT. 






H. MAJ^X PRIXTER. 

1834. 



Jil^^J 



.Pu 



INTRODUCTION. 



This little work is designed principally for the citizens of this town. Th» 
•ubject is not presumed to be of sufficient interest to attract the particular attention 
of strangers. 1 have, therefore, entered into details and local descriptions which 
will not be interesting to readers in general, but only to those who are connect- 
ed with the scene by association or locality. 

The; work originated in a Lecture delivered before the Lyceum in Attleborough 
in 1830, which was prepared without the most distant idea of publication. The 
subject, though an old one, being entirely new to the hearers, excited much in- 
terest. At the earnest request of many of the most respectable citizens of the 
town, I concluded to prepare it for publication, to be included in a mere pamph- 
let of about 60 pages. In compliance with what seemed the general wish, pro- 
posals were accordingly issued, to ascertain if sufficient encouragement would 
be given to justify the undertaking. But in the prosecution of my researches, 
new materials were found, and the work multiplied upon my hands, until it has 
extended to more than double its original size. 

When the author attempted to prepare even a brief lecture on the subject and 
began to make inquiries accordingly, he was told that it was in vain — that no 
materials existed from which a sketch could be formed, particularly in relation 
to our early history. The attempt indeed was at first discouraging. The field 
wai new and unexplored. There was no light ' to lead my blind way' th.-ougb 
the dark labyrinths of the past. Little or nothing was contained in other work* 
to which I could refer for aid. The spot had almost escaped the prying curi- 
•■ity of the antiquarian. I found, however, after diligent and laborious research, 
facts enough to make up the present volume. 

The materials which are here embodied have been derived mostly from orig- 
inal sources. I have gathered 'here a little, and there n little.' Tradition ha« 
■upplied a part— for some facts I am indebted to the recollections of the aged ; 
others I have industriously gleaned from a mass of voluminous and almost illegi- 
ble records and other manuscripts. I have left nothing unsearched which might 
throw light on the early history of the town. 

The object of this work is not mere amusement, but the preservation of facta. 
I have, therefore, selected not merely what might be interesting at the present 
time, but what might be valuable for future reference. Hence, some may think 
that it is too minute in the relation of circumstances ; but others, knowing the 
true objects of such a work, will be rather inclined to complain that it is not mi- 
nute enough. Minuteness and detail are, in fact, the principal merit of local his- 
tories. Such works will furnish materials for more general history. This is the 
design ; — or at least, one great benefit to be derived from them is the collection 
and preservation of factt for a more full and perfect history of the country. Ma- 
ny itemi which have been collected together in theis pagee, however unimportant 



MOW, will be curiosities to future generations They will become more interest- 
ing, as time throws its thickening shadows over the actors and events of the past. 
I have seized the present moment and gathered what could be obtained from 
tradition, and thus arrested what was rapidly passing into the gulf of oblivion. I 
have been particularly minute in describing the transactions connected with the 
Revolution. Those, who lived in that age — who saw and acted in the great 
scenes which then transpired, and who alone can give us correct and circumstantial 
accounts of that period, will, in a very few years more, have passed from the stage 
of life ; and thus interesting and important facts will bo irrecoverably lost to us 
and to posterity, unless now rescued and embodied in a durable form. The 
present is the only time to obtain minute and circumstantial accounts of the Rev- 
olution. Even now, since the commencement of this work, several, from whom 
I have obtained facts in relation to that period, have descended to the silence of 
the grave. It is hoped, that every opportunity will be improved, to collect in- 
formation from those who were personally engaged in the scenes of the Revolu- 
tion, ere they shall all disappear from the stage of life. It is useless to disguise 
that the labor and expense of collecting the materials and preparing the work, 
brief and imperfect as it is, have far exceeded my expectations. Indeed, no one, 
until he has tried the experiment, can fully appreciate the labor and patience and 
perseverance which are requisite in connecting insulated facts and supplying brok- 
en links in the chain, and the perplexity which is caused in reconciling apparent 
contradictions and removing doubts. I have, however, no expectation of re- 
ceiving an adequate compensation for the time and expense bestowed upon the 
work ; but the consciousness of having redeemed from undeserved neglect the 
names of our worthy forefathers, and rescued from oblivion many facts in the 
history of my native town, which would otherwise have been irrecoverably lost, 
will be, if not a sufficient reward, at least a consolation. 

Such a work, I am aware, is of no great consequence to any but those who 
are connected with the town. But it takes many little rills to make up the great 
current of history. All these things tend to throw light on the interesting sub- 
ject of our early history ; and, in this view, every historical fact, however mi- 
nute or unimportan; in itself, is valuable aud worthy of preservation. And it 
may be truly said, that he has not labored in vain, who has added one new 
truth to what is already known, or elucidated one dark spot in his country'* 
his tory. 

In the extracts which have been madfe fVom ancient records, I have retained 
the original dates, and the titles which were bestowed in accordance with the 
ci?stom of former times. Even the most inferior titles then conferred some dis- 
tinction. In the earliest records it is not uncommon to find 'Corporal and Ser- 
geant ' sue h-a-one. Ensign, Lieut, and Capt. were invariably applied to those 
who could claim the honor. Even the title of Mr. which is now without dis- 
tinction, on account of its indiscriminate application, was once esteemed an honor 
to which but few could aspire ! 

I have labored to be accurate, but some errors have doubtless, escaped the 
closest attention. If any should be observed, it will be esteemed a favor, if thosu 
who have the means will communicate the correction. 
Aitleborough, Jan. 1881, 



HISTORY OF ATTLEBOROUGH. 



In 1643 a company was formed at Weymouth, Mass. con- 
sisting of Rev. Samuel Newman and a part of liis congrega- 
tion, for the purpose of establishing a new settlement in this 
vicinity. They purchased a large tract of land of the Sachem 
of Pokanoket, including what is now Rehoboth, Seekonk, Paw- 
tucket, and a part of Svvansea then known by the name of 
Wannamoisett ; and in the spring of 1044, removed to a place 
then called by the Indians Seacunke, and commenced their 
settlement around the Great Plain. This v/as the Rehoboth 
purchase. Here the inhabitants continued, Avith many addi- 
tions to their number, as a distinct settlement until June 4th, 
1G45, when they were adopted into the jurisdiction of Plym- 
outh Colony, and incorporated as a township by the scriptural 
name of Rehoboth. 

In 1061, Captain Thomas Willet was employed by that 
town to make a purchase of a new tract of land in their be- 
half, having been first authorized and empowered by the Court 
for that purpose. He accordingly purchased of Wamsitta* 
a certain tract of land nortii of the town of Rehoboth, which 
was called the Rehoboth North Purchase. It was bounded 



* Fachem of Pokanoket, originally called Mooanam, afterwards Alexan- 
der, the eUer brother of King Phillip and son of Massasoit. He died ia 
the summer of 1662. His wife's name was Namuoipum. — Sto Drakeh Indian 
Biograjihy. 



West by Pawtucket River, nbw the Blackstone ; North by the 
Massachusetts Colony or the Bay line, (so called); East by 
territory which was afterwards the Taunton North Purchase, 
now Mansiield, Norton, and Easton; and South by the ancient 
Rehoboth, now Rehoboth, Seekouk, and Pawtucket. This 
purchase included Attlcborough, Cumberland, R. I. and a 
tract of a mile and a half* in width, extending east and west, 
(which was annexed to Rehoboth as an enlargement,) and a 
part of Mansfield and Norton. This purchase was afterwards, 
viz. April 10th, ]GC<3, granted and confirmed by the Plymouth 
Government to the inhabitants of Rehoboth. 

The following copy of the Indian Deed is taken from the 
Old Colony Records. 

A Deed appointed to be recorded. 

Know all men, that I Wamsetta, alias Alexander, chief Sa- 
chem of Pokanokettjf for divers good causes and valuable con- 
siderations me thereunto moving, have bargained and sold unto 
-Captain Thomas Willett of Wannamoisett all those tracts of 
land situate and being from the bounds of Rehoboth ranging 
upon Patuckett River unto a place called Waweypounshag, the 
place where one Blackston now sojourneth, and so ranging 
along to the said river unto a place called Messanegtacaneh 
an^ from this upon a straight line crossing through the woods 
unto the uttermost bounds of a place called Mamantapett or 
Wading River, and from the said River one mile and a half 
upon an east line, and from thence upon a south line unto the 
bounds of the town of Rehoboth: To have and to hold unto 
him the said Captain Willett and his associates, their heirs and 
assigns forever ; reserving only a competent portion of land 
for some of the natives at Mishanegitaconett for to plant and 
sojourn upon, as the said Wamsetta alias Alexander and the 
said Thomas Willett jointly together shall see meet ; and the 
rest of all the land aforementioned, with all the woods, waters, 



* It was g:u'e?i, verbally, to Kehobotb by the agents of tbe Court who 
were appointed to convey the North Purchase to the Proprietors, and after- 
jverds re-annexed to Attleborough. 

t Or Pocanaket, or Pawkunnavvkut, a name applied to the whole domin- 
ion of King Phillip, whose personal tribe was tbe Wasnpaaoags. 



meadows, and all emoluments whatsoever to remain unto the 
said Thomas Willett and his associates, their heirs and assigns 
forever. Witness my hand and teal the eighth day of April in 
the year 16G1. 

2V(C mark of AXA 
Signed, sealed and delivered Wamsiita alias Alexander, 

in p?'cscnce of his seal [l. s.] 

John Brown Jr. 

Jonathan Bosworth, 

John Sassaman the Ir.tcrprctcr. 

April 10th, 16GG. Witnesseth These Presents, that Captain 
Thomas Willett ahove said hath and doth hereby resii^n, deliv- 
er and make over all and singular the lands above mentioned, 
purchased of Wamsiita alias Alexander chief Sachem of Po- 
canokett, according unto the bounds above expressed, wilh all 
and singular the benefits, privileges, and immunities thereunto 
appertaining, unto Mr. Thomas Frencc, Major Josias Wins- 
low, Capt. Thomas Southvvorth, and Mr. Constant South- 
worth, in the beliaif cfthc Colony of New Plymouth. In wit- 
wess whereof he doth hereunto set his hand and seal. 
Signed, scaled s.7id delivered Thomas Willett [Seal] 

in presence of 

Daniel Smith, 

Nicholas Peck. 

The folloioing is ike Grant or Deed* of the Government. 
Know all men by these presents, that we Thomas Prencc, 
Josias Winslow, Thomas Southworlh and Constant Southworth 
by order of tlie General Court of New Plymouth, and in the 
name and behalf of the said Colony of Plymouth, have and by 
these presents do bargain, sell, alien, grant and confer and 
make over unto the proprietors of the town of Rehoboth (viz.) 
unto all that hold there, from a fifty pound estate and upwards, 
according to their first agreement, all and singular the lands ly- 
ing and being on the north side of that town of Rehoboth bound- 



* 1 he origina! h among tie Kecorils of tb« Propricton -of tlM R. N. 
Puretmiic. 



ed as follovveth, (viz.) by a River commonly called Patucket riv- 
er, OR the west, and up tiie said River unto the Massachusetts 
Line, and on the northerly side by tlie said Line until it cross 
the old road towards the Bay, where the marked tree stands 
and heap of stones, and thence a mile and a half east, and 
from thence by a direct line to the north east corner of the 
present bounds of the town of Rehoboili, and so back again 
home unto the said Line between the governments; with all 
the meadows, woods, waters, and all benefits, emoluments, 
privileges, and immunities, thereunto appertaining and belong- 
ing, to have and to hold to them and to their heirs for ever; 
Excepting that we reserve within this tract a farm formerly 
granted unto Major Josias Winslow, and a farm granted unto 
Capt. Thomas WiUett, and two hundred acres of land unto Mr. 
James Brown about Snake Hill, and ten acres of meadow 
thereabouts ; and the meadow called Blackstone's Meadow, 
the west plain and the South neck the quantity of two hundred 
acres, and the fifty acres granted to Roger Amadown, with 
four acres of meadow adjoining, three acres of meadow to 
Nicholas Ide, and half an acre of meadow unto George Robin- 
son: All the residue of the lands above mentioned we do here- 
by firmly make over unto the above said purchasers and their 
heirs for ever, and do hereby acknowledge ourselves to be fully 
paid and satisfied for the same, and do exonerate, acquit and 
discharge them and every of them for and concerning the 
premises. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals, this tenth of April 1666. 
Signed, sealed and delivered 

in presence of Thomas Prence (l. s.) 

Isaac Rowland Josias Winslow (l. s.) 

The mark x of Thomas Southworth (l. s.) 

John Parris Constant Southworth (l. s.) 

The mark x of 
John Rocket. 

Marginal Note. 
It was also agreed before the signing and sealing of this 
Deed that, according unto a clause in the Indian Deed when 



f 

these lands were purchased by Capt. Willett, that some meet 
proportion of lands about Sinnichiconet, such as the said Capt. 
Willett and the Indian Sachem shall agree upon, should be set 
out for the use of the Indians. 

Note on the back of the same Deed. 
This Deed is recorded according to order by me Nathaniel 
Morton, Secretary to the Court of New Plymouth. 

The Dividend of Lands enrolled 
Folio 217. 

The following order relating to this subject was passed by 
the Court of Plymouth. 

'New Plymouth October 2d 1005. 

Whereas the Court, having formerly impowered Capt. 
Thomas Willet to purchase of the Indians certain Tracts of 
lands on the North of Rehoboth towards the Bay Line, the 
which he hath done, and is out of purse some considerable sum 
of money for the same, this Court have ap;iointed the Honor- 
ed Governor, the Major Winslow, Capt. Southworth, and Mr. 
Constant Southworth, to treat with Capt. Willet concerning the 
said purchase, and have impowered the above named Com- 
mittee to take notice of what hath been purchased by him, and 
what Deeds he hath, and what his disbursments have been for 
the same ; and have also impowered them to settle upon him 
such, a proportion of the said lands as may appear to be equal, 
upon any grant to him ; and to accommodate the town of 
Rehoboth respecting an enlargement of their town, as the 
Court have promised ; and to take such course concerning the 
remainder as he may be reimbursed of his just due and those 
lands may be settled by the Court.' 

Extracted from and compared with the Records of said 
Court. Per. SAMUEL SPRAGUE Clerk. 

The following introduction is entered in the first Book of 
the Records of the R. N. Purchase : 

W'hereas, in the year one thousand six hundred sixty and 
six, a purchase of lands was made by the Inhabitants of Reho- 
both and the neighborhood of Annimosett : — the said lands sit- 
uate on the North side of the Towne of Rehoboth — of Mr, 



10 

Thomas Prince Esquire, Major Josiah Winslow, Captain 
Thomas Southworth Agents of the Government of New Plym- 
outh, the bounds of the said lands fully appearing by a Deed of 
sale made by the aforesaid gentlemen, to the purchasers there- 
of, bearing date the tenth of April 166G, v/hich deed hath been 
inrolled at the Court of New Plymouth according to order of 
Court. The bounds of the said lands are as folJoweth, (viz.) 
by a river called Patucket river, on the West, and up the said 
river unto the Massachusetts line; and on the Northerly side, 
by the same line, until it cross the ould Roade towards the 
Bay, where the marked tree stands, and a heape of stones; 
and thence a mile and halfe East, and from thence by a direct 
line to the North East corner of the ancient bounds of the 
towne ofllehoboth, and soe back againe home to the said 
line between the Governments — Excepting there was reserved 
out of the said tract of land, a farm granted before to Major 
Josiah Winslow, a farm granted to Captain Thomas Willett, 
and two hundred acres of land to Mr. James Browne about 
Snake-hill, and ten acres of Meadow thereabouts; and the 
Meadow called Blackstone's Meadow the West plaine ; and 
the South neck the quantity of two hundred acres ; and fifty 
acres granted to Roger Ammidov.n with four acres of meadov,'; 
and three acres of Meadow to Nicholas Ide ; and hal( an acre 
to George Robinson ; also some Bleete proportion of lands for' 
the Indians at Sinnichiteconett ; for the use of the said Indians. 
All the rest of the said lands within the said tract as before 
bounded, to be equally divided to the purchasers thereof accor- 
dinf to their said proportions, (there being Seventy Nine 
■whole shares and a half) being joint purchasers; and the said 
purchasers have fully discharged and paid the purchase thereof 
according to their several proportions. 

3Iem. That the clause in the /ormer page "to be equally di- 
vided to the purchasers thereof" hath reference to the before 
expressed date (viz.) one thousand Six hundred and Sixty and 
Six. 

The Names of the Purchasers with their Rights to the said 
Lands before mentioned are those (wo mav conirudicfing) that 
are here expressed in the following List. 



11 



Capt. Thomas Willett, (one 
share, John Wilkinson's) 

Mr. Steplieii Paine Sen. 2 shs. 
(one that was his own and 
one that was appointed for 
John Martin.) 

Mr. Noah Newman 1 sh. 

Lieut. Peter Hunt 1 sh. 

Mr. James Browne 1 sh. 

Samuel Newman 1 sh. 

Jolin Allen Sen. 1 sh. 

John Woodcock 1^ sh. 

Thomas Estabrooke's ^ sh. 
( bought of Roger Ami- 
downe) 

Thomas Willmot 2 shs. (one 
he bought of Jo. Carpen- 
ter and one of his own) 

Sampson Mason I sh. 

Anthoney Perry 1 sh. 

John Bntterworth 1 sh. (this 
sold to Daniel Jenkes except- 
ing the meadow) 

Philip Walker 1 sh. 

John Ormsby 1 sh. 

Richard Martin Ish. 

Stephen Paine Jun. 1 sh. 

Rober Joans I sh. 

Obadiah Bowen 1 sh. 

John Pecke 1 sh. 

James Redeway I sh. 

Samuel Carpenter 1 sh. 

John Titus 2 sh. (one that he 
bought of his mother-in law 
Abigail Carpenter, and one 
that was his own; 

Mr. .lohn Myles 1 sh. 

William Carpenter 1 sh. 

Joseph Pecke 1 sh. 

Thomas Cooper Jun. 1 sh. 

Ensign Ilenery Smith 1 sh. 

Thomas Cooper Sen. 1 sh. 

Samuel Pecke 1 sh. 

William Buckland 1 sh. 

Joseph Buckland 1 sh. 

Benjamin Buckland, I sh. 



John Reade Sen. 1 sh. 

John Reade Jun. 1 sh. 

Nicholas Pecke 1 sh. 

Elizabeth, Hannah, and Lyd- 
ia Winchester 1 sh. this sould 
to Dan'l. Shepardson. 

Daniel Smith 1 sh. 

Jonathan Bliss 1 sh. 

Rice Leonard 1 sh. 

William Saben 1 sh. 

John Perrin Sen. 1 sh. 

George Kendricke 1 sh. 

George Robenson 1 sh. 

John Doggctt 1 sh. 

John Fitcli 1 sh. 

Richard Bowen Jun. 1 sh. 

Elizabeth Bullucke 1 sh. 

John Miller Jun. 1 sh. 

Robert Fuller 1 sh. 

Robert Wlieaton 1 sh. 

Ester Hall 1 sh. 

John Miller Sen. 1 sh. 

Jaret Ligraham 1 sh. 

John Kingsley 1 sh. 

Gilbert Brookes I sh. 

Thomas Reade 1 sh. 

Thomas Grant ^ sh. 

Jonathan Fuller 1 sh. 

James Gillson 1 sh. (bought of 
Samuel Saben) 

Samuel Luther 1 sh. (this 
share sold to Mr. Phillip 
Squire) 

Nicholas Tanner Ish. 

John Allen Jun. 1 sh. 

Preserved Abell 1 sh. 

Francis Stephens 1 sh. 

Nicholas Ide 1 sh. 

Richard Whittaker I sh. 

Nathaniel Pecke 1 sh. 

Israel Pecke 1 sh. 

Jonah Palmer 1 sh. 

Robert Miller 1 sh. 

Nathaniel Paine 1 sh. (^ of it 
he bought of Richard Bow- 
en Sen. and the other, of 



Jeremiah Wheaton.) John Lovell I ah. 

Joanna Ide of New Norwich Eldad Kinsley 1 sh. 

halfe a share. — 

J(Jin Sava<>e i^ sh. The aforesaid List and the 

Ihonias OriKsby J sh. (bought preface to it was universally 

of Richard Bowen Sen.) agieed upon at a Meeting of 

Jacob Ormsby ^ sh. (that was the Purchasers, May 28th 

his mother's.) 1672 to be entered into the 

John Policy 1 sh. (that he had Booke of Records for the 

of his father Jon. Bosworth, North Purchased Lands. 
William Allen of Prudense* 1 This attested to by me, 

sh. he bought of Nathaniel William Carycntei; Jr. 

Paine. Gierke. 

This List of Proprietors, as the reader perceives, was made 
in 1672, by a committee chosen fur that purpose. 

The first division of lands in the North Purchase was made 
June 22nd. 1653. This division was confined exclusively to 
Meadow land. It appears by the following extracts from the 
town Records of Rehoboth that the Court had made a grant of 
the meadows in the N. Purchase before the rest of the land was 
granted. 

February 23d, 1C57. At a town meeting lawfully warned, 
it was voted that all the Meadows lying on the North side of 
the Town, which were given and granted to the Town by the 
Court, shall be laid out according to person and estate. 

At the same time those men whose names are here subscribed 
have promised to go to see what meadows they can find on the 
North side of our Town, that they may notify our town, to 
their best judgment, what quantity there may be of it, and this 
they promise to do freely on their own charge.' Wm. Car- 
penter Senior will go 3 days on his own charge, and if he go 
any more he is to be paid for it. Wm. Sabin, 1 day ; Lieut. 
Hunt 2 days; Joseph Peck 1 day; John Peck 1 day; Henry 
Smith 1 day ; Wm. Bucklin 2 days ; Robert Fuller 1 day ; 
John Read 1 day; Thomas Cooper Junior 1 day; Francis 
Stephens I day. 

At the same time, those men whose names are here sub- 
scribed are accepted of the freemen of the town to take up 
their freedom, viz :— Joseph Peck, John Peek, Henry Smith, 

• Probably Providence. 



13 

Robert Fuller, John Fitch, Steven Paine, Jonathan Bliss, 
Wm. Bucklin, Rice Leonard. Several of these persons after- 
wards removed to Attleborough. 

June 22d, 1658. It was voted, that all the meadow that lies 
upon the North side of the town, that hath been visited by 
certain men according to the town's order, shall be lotted out, 
according to person and estate. 

14 of the 9th month 1661. Lieut. Hunt, and Wm. Sabia 
were chosen to confer with Mr. Willet to know what he hath 
done about the North side of the town in the behalf of the 
town. 

The 28 of the 5 mo. 1662. It was voted that John Wood- 
cock* should have two rods of land to build a small house on 
for himself and his family to be in on the Lord's day in somo 
convenient place near the meeting house ; and Goodman Paine 
and Lieut. Hunt were chosen to see where the most conven- 
ient place might be for it. 

1658 June 22d. "At a town meeting lawfully warned Lots 
were drawn for the meadows that lie on the North side of the 
town, according to person and estate." 

April 18, 1666. It was voted by the town that the late pur- 
chasers of land upon the north side of our town shall bear for- 
ty shillings in a rate of 5 £. and so proportionable in all other 
public charges. 

It was also voted that there should be a three railed fence 
setup and maintained between the late purchased land on the 
north side of the town to be set up on all the end of the plain 
from Goodman Buckland's lands to tlie mill river, and every 
man that is interested in the said purchased Lands to bear an 
equal proportion in the aforesaid fence according to tlieir 
proportion of Lands. 

It was also voted to make choice of a Committee for the 
settling and staling of the late purchased Lands on the north 
side of our town, viz: whether such, as at present seem ques- 
tionable, are true proprietors of the aforesaid lands; — and 
the Committee chosen were Capt. Willet with tiie towna- 



* Afterwards of Attlei-oroiigh. 



14 

men and those that stand engaged for the payment of the 
aforesaid purchased Lands. The Committee reported April 
23d, 1G66. 

It was also voted by the town that Mr. Goodman Martin 
shall enjoy a spot of fresh meadow that lies on the north side 
of the town lying at the end of the Great Plain, during his 
life and his wife's, and at their decease to return to the town. 

At the same time it was agreed between the town and Capt. 
"VVillet, that for the forty acres of meadow that he is to have 
to his farm, on the north side of the town, he is by agreement 
made with the town to have high Squisset and Low Squisset, 
and the bounds of the said Squisset's meadows to be according 
to the sight of the Surveyors the day that they laid out his 
farm, that is, Henry Smith and William Carpenter ; and he is 
also to have a piece of meadow at the Seven Mile River near 
unto the going out at the highway, and six acres of meadow at 
the Ten Mile River, and what there wants of the six acres in 
quality is to be made up in quantity — the said six acres of 
meadow on the Ten Mile River lies by the old highway as we 
go into the Bay. 

'April 23d 1666. The Committee that was chosen by the 
town April 18th 1666, at a town meeting, for the stating and 
settling of the late purchased lands, upon the North side of our 
town, the aforesaid committee being met together this twenty 
third of April, we see cause that there shall be seventy six 
whole shares and equal purchasers in the aforesaid Lands, and 
six persons that have half shares, which we see cause to add 
to the seventy six whole shares, so that the whole number of 
shares amounts to seventy nine shares.' 

May 19th 1666. At a town meeting lawfully warned, the 
town concluded to have a meeting upon the last Tuesday in 
June, to consider of the meadows on the north side of the 
town, how they may be disposed of for this present year ; it is 
therefore agreed by this town, that no man shall mow a load 
or a part of a load of grass, before the town hath disposed of 
them, upon the penalty of twenty shillings the load or part of 
a load. 



15 

Oct. 16tli 1666. At a town meeting it was concluded, that 
the purchased lands on the north side of the town shall be di- 
vided between this and the first of May nest ensuing. 

It was also voted by the town that no person shall fall any 
trees upon the aforesaid lands on the north side of our town 
before the said lands be divided, upon the penalty often shil- 
linscs for every tree so fallen. 

The same day John Doggett, .Tco'in Woodcock, and John 
Titus were chosen by the town to see what timber trees are 
fallen on the late purchased lands on the north side of our 
town, and tlioy shall have the forfeiture for their pains, and 
the trees to those that the land shall fall to. 

June 22d 1867. At a town meeting it was voted by the 
town that the nieadov.s lying on the north side of the Iowa 
shall be for this present year, as they were the last year. 

April 10th 1GG8. The town cliose a Committee to go and 
view thfe meadows that arc in the Kortli Purchase and to acre 
them out, to devide them into three score and eighteen parts 
and a half, and to mark and bound out each part and put in 
such swamj)s as in their prudence they tiiiak meet, to be laid 
out in the said division — provided they do it equally as they can. 
The said committee are Anthony Perry, Philip Walker, Thom- 
as Willmot, * Nicholas Ide ; to be paid by the whole company 
of purchasers. 

May 13th 1668. The town made an agreement with Good- 
man Allen that he is to have the twenty acres of Meadow that 
is laid out by Ensign Smith at Sinecheticonet, and the Mead- 
ow called the Parson's Meadow, and all that is witiiin I'is 
farm, for Ins thirty acres of meadow that he purchased of Ma- 
jor Winslow — and also for his full share of meadow on the 
North Purchase. 

It was also voted that the rates upon the North side of the 
town be lowered, and part taken off, that is to say, whereas 
the lands upon the N. Purchase paid 40 shillings of 5 pounds 
in all rates, that now tho said lands shall pay 20 shillings in 5 
pounds until the town see cause to alter it. 



* >'ow WilitiarJii. 



16 

May 26th 166S. It was voted that John Woodcock shall 
have the meadow upon the ten mile river between Capt. Wil- 
let's meadow and his own Meadow, and another piece that the 
townsmen shall appoint him that were chosen by the town to 
acre the meadows in the North Purchase, for two shares of 
meadow on the N. Purchase. 

The 26th of May 1668, lots were drawn for the meadows t 
in the North Purchase. 

The first division of general lands was granted by the pro- 
prietors at a meeting held Feb. 9th 166S. Lots were drawn 
for this division March 18th, 1668-9. The previous divisions 
had been confined to meadow land. 

'At a town meeting lawfully warned Feb. 9th 1668, it was 
voted that there should be Fifty acres of upland laid out on the 
north side of the town to every share, speedily ; and the rest 
to be laid out with as much conveniency as may be.' 

It was voted that there should be a committee chosen to 
view where there is good land for the laying out of a division 
of lands on the north purchase, and that the aforesaid fifty 
acres to a share should be forthwith laid out, and then lots to 
be drawn by the aforesaid purchasers according to the agree- 
ment. 

At a town meeting lawfully warned the 18th of March 
1668-9, 'It was voted that there should be fifty acres of land 
laid out to a share on the North purchased lands.' 

It was also provided that the purchasers should draw lots 
for their choice ; and that each one should choose his lands suc- 
cessively according to his turn, and give notice to the next in 
turn; and that if any neglect or refuse to make choice and 
lay out his land in his turn, for the space of three days, after 
notice given him, he should wait until all others had made 
choice in regular order. 

At this meeting a Committee of eiglit were chosen, any two 
of whom might act, to see that these rights should not be laid 
out so as to interfere with highways, previous divisions of 
meadows, or other lotments. This Committee were TV'iliiam 



tCirantetl by the Ccurt previous to the purchase. 



n 

Sabin, Nicholas Peck, Samuel Newman, James Reddeway, 
Thomas Willmott, Samuel Peck, Lieut. Hunt, Joseph Buck- 
land. Nine purchasers entered a protest against the manner 
of laying out the lands by choosing, viz. Capt. Willett, Mr. 
Myles, Will. Sabin, Mr. Brown, Dea. Cooper, John Miller, 
Sen. John Peren, Sen. George Kendricke, Will. Carpenter. 

'The Names of those that drew for a Division on the Nortb 
Purchase 18th March 1668-9.' 

John Titus Robert Joanes John Read Jun. 

Joseph Buckland Will. Buckland Mr. Newman 

John Ormsby James Gillson Ricii. Martin 

Children's Lands* Lsrail Peck John Biitterworth 

Nathl. Paine Anth. Perry George Kendrick 

Goody Hide Eldad Kingsley John Lowell 

Rice Leonard Tho. Cooper Jun. Thomas Grant 

John Allin Jun. Mr. Myles Mr. Brown 

Nicholas Peck Richard Bemis Jr. Nath. Peck 

Ichabod Miller Jun. John Fitch George Robinson 

Robert AVheaton Joseph Carpenter Jonallian J'uller 

John Doggett •» Preserved Abel Jonathan Bosworth 

Deacon Cooper John Woodcock Sam. Feck 

Phillip Walker John Allen Sen. Robert Fuller 

Tho. Read Nich. Ide Nath. Paine, Jr. 

Joseph Peck - Capt. Willet Richard Whittaker 

John Read Sen. James Reddeway Sam. Carpenter 

Jonathan Bliss Sam. Newman Edward Hall 

Roger Amidowne Steplien Paine Sen. Nicholas Tanner 
Stephen Paine Jun. Jona. Palmer John Savage 

Thomas and Jacob Robert Mdler Will. Saben 

Ormsby Tho. Willmot Will. Carpenter 

Richard Bullock Gilbert Brooks Sampson Mason 

Daniel Smith Wid. Carpenter John Peck 

John Kingsley Left. Hunt Ben. Buckland 

Obadiah Bowing Jaret Ingraham Hen. Smith 

John Peren Sen. Francis Stephens Sam. Luther 

■ Complaints were often made that the lands in the N. Pur- 
chase were rated or assessed too high. There is the follow- 
ing record on this subject. 

At a meeting of proprietors of the North Purchase the 26th 
Aug. 1670, it was voted that the townsmen should choose three 
men to discuss and also to end any difference with such per- 

* Chil(lr«a of Alexander Winchester, deceased. 



IS 

sons as are chosen by the complainers of the provisions of the 
Rates. The time set to meet was this day s'en'nit at the 
meetijij^ house ; and if not ended to attend the next Court at 
Plymouth to defend and answer such cornplaiuts as are made 
against the rating of these lands. 

A mile and a half on the south side of this town was grant- 
ed to Rehoboth by order of Court, June 1C68. 

June 1668. This Court have ordered that a tract of land 
containing a mile and a half lying on the North side of the 
town of Rehoboth is allowed to be the proper right of the said 
township. And for such lands as are lying betwixt the Bay 
line and it is to be accounted within the Constablerick of Re- 
hoboth, until the Court shall order it otherwise. And that such 
farms as lyeth within the said liberties shall be responsible in 
point of rating at the Colony's disposal. — Old Col. Rcc. 

There is the following vote concerning this tract in Reho- 
both Records. 

Nov. 8th 1670. At a town meeting lawfully warned it was 
voted that the line should be forthwith run between the North 
Purchase and the Mile and a half given to the town for enlarge- 
ment. 

The Committee were Lieut. Hunt and Ensign Smith, Nich- 
olas Peck and Will. Carpenter. 

Committees were also chosen to see that no tirnber on the 
North side should be fallen or drawn away. Great dimcuily 
was experienced in preventing the loss of timber on the undi- 
vided lands. 

Dec. 26th 1670. It was voted that there should be a town 
meeting this day fortnight about 10 of tlie clock in the morn- 
ing, and that there should be a committee chosen to draw up 
such propositions as they think will be most expedient for the 
settling of the differences on the north side of the town con- 
cerning those lands, considering that all the purchasers of the 
land have not yet given them, Mr. Brown engaging to give no- 
tice to all the proprietors of those lands that dwell at Swan- 
sea; and that these propositions be tendered at the said town 
meeting, that if it were the will of God, there might be a 
wnanimoui agreement. The commit tee chosen were Lieut. 



19 

Hunt, Ensign Smith, Nathaniel Paine, Nicholas Peck and An- 
thony Perry. 

Nov. 23(1 1670. A committee was chosen to meet the 
Treasurer of Taunton to settle the bounds between the North 
Purchase and Taunton North Purchase. Committee were 
Ensign Smith, Wim. Sabin, Wm. Carpenter. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors, May 28th 1672, It was vo- 
ted, that for tlie comfortable and peaceable settlement of the 
lands and meadows on the Nortli side of the town ; — whereas 
there has been great dissatisftiction in respect of the unequal 
division of meadows; — and, forasmuch as there was a Com- 
mittee chosen in the year 1668 for the bounding of the mead- 
ows betwixt tlie Tens ; — there shall be a new committee add- 
ed to them, to make diligent searcli and take a deliberate view 
of the meadows and swamps within all the several Tens, with 
power to add to those Tens which needed amendment, and 
bound them all ; and also to redress any grievance which any 
particular person suffers. This order is not to take place till 
after six months. It was provided that the said committee 
should bound all the Tens before any more upland lots are 
laid out, if they do it within two months. 

At a meeting of Purchasers Feb. ISth 1684, it was voted 
tl]r>t there should be a division of fifty acres to a share in the 
North Purchase; Wm. Carpenter was chosen Surveyor to lay 
it out. Voted that tliere should be a meeting of the Purclias- 
ers to draw lots for said Division the last Tuesday of June 
next ensuing. Accordingly at a meeting held June 29th 16S5 
lots were drawn for said fifty acres of upland among S3 per- 
sons. 

At a Proprietor's Meeting Oct. 3 1st 1699, it was voted that 
there should be two divisions of lauds in the North Purchase 
forthwith laid out to the said proprietors according to their 
rights in said lands, i. e. fifty acres to a whole share in both 
divisions, viz: 25 acres to the first division, and 25 acres to 
the second division ; and he that is first in the first division 
shall be last in the second division, and so on. 

At their next meeting Nov. 7th 1699, the proprietors drew 



lots for the new division. They had increased at this time to 
133 in number. 

In the year 1694 the inhabitants of the North Purchase 
were incoiporated into a township by an Act of the General 
Court of Massachusetts. * 

The following is the Act of Incorporation. 
AN ACT for granting a township within the County of Bris- 
tol to be called Attleborough. 

Whereas there is a certain tract of land commonly known 
by the name of North Purchase, lying within the County of 
Bristol, containing in length about ten miles from Patucket 
River to the bounds of Taunton, f and extending about eight 
miles in breadth from the line or boundary betwixt the two 
late Colonies of Massachusetts and Plymouth, to the bounds of 
the town of Rehoboth ; being a convenient tract for a town- 
ship, and more than thirty families already settled thereupon ; 
For the better encouragement and settlement of said Planta- 
tion : 

Be it enacted by the Governor, Council, and Representa- 
tives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the 
same. That henceforth the said tract of land as above de- 
scribed, and bounded by the township of Taunton and Reho- 
both, (no way to intrench upon either of their rights) be and 
shall be a township, and called by the name of Attleborough ; 
and shall have and enjoy all such immunities, privileges, and 
powers, as generally other townships within this Province have 
and do enjoy. 



» Previous to this the N. Purchase was within the jurisdictioD, but not 
within the chartered limits ofKehoboth. The inhabitants were subjected 
to the municipal authority, and had all the rights of freemen of that town. 
It was, properly, a plantation of Rehoboth. It was ordered by Plymouth 
Court to be within the jurisdiction of that town until it should be incorpo- 
rated July 5th 1671. 'The Court have ordered that the North Purchase 
(so called) shall lie unto the town of Rehoboth, until it comes to be a 
township; aud in the mean time to bear the seventh part of all the rates 
that shall be levied for the public charges of that town ; and wLen the said 
Purchase shall become a Township by itself, then the said township of Re- 
hoboth to be eased in their rates.' — Old Col. Records. 

t Taunton North Purchase. 



21 

Provided, That it be not in prejudice of any former grant. 

Provided also. That the Inliabitants of the said place do 
continue under the power and discretion of the Selectmen, 
Assessors, and Constables of Rehobolh (whereunto they were 
formerly annexed) as well refering to any assessments and ar- 
rears thereof, as all other things proper to the duty of Select- 
men, Assessors and Constables, respectively; until they are 
supplied with such officers among themselves, according to the 
directions in the law in that case made and provided. 

The boundaries described in the preceding Act included 
the present town of Attleborougli and Cumberland, R. I. em- 
bracing a very extensive tract of land. The number of inhab- 
itants at this time could not much exceed a hundred and 
eighty. They Avere mostly settled in the Southerly and Wes- 
terly parts of the town. These families were scattered over a 
considerable space ; many had been here from an early peri- 
od. Of the early settlements more will be said hereafter. 

The country was then mostly covered with forests, inter- 
spersed however with a good supply of natural meadow, which 
"was then considered the most valuable kind of land. 

The inhabitants increased rapidly, and soon penetrated into 
various parts of the town. 

A few extracts from the early records of the town, illustra- 
ting the character of the times, will be interesting to ihe pres- 
ent generation. 

The first town meeting on record appears to have been held 
May 11th 1G96, two years after the incorporation. * At this 
meeting the town chose Mr. John Woodcock and Mr. John 
Rogers late of Bristol as agents "to manage our concerns m 
matters relating to that part of our township commonly called 
the Mile and Half, according to our petition and other copies 
•which are in the hands of Mr. Henry Derens Clerk to the 
House of Representatives, and did further appoint and impow- 
er Mr. John Woodcock to agree with and impower said Mr. 
Rogers and take care to help him to such papers as may most 

* There must, however, have been a previous nieeting and a choice of olii- 
eers— of which no record is preserved. 
4 



22 

concern our business, lor the promoting of matters relating to 
our township." 

At the same meeting three Assessors were chosen for the en- 
suing year, viz. Israil Woodcock, Thomas Tinglej and Samu- 
el Titus. 

The next town meeting was held Nov. 23d 169G, at which 
the town authorized the Selectmen to make a Rate for paying 
the town's debts, which amounted to £.5. 15 s. Id. At the 
same time several individuals engaged to pay certain sums 'by 
way of free gift towards the building of a Meeting House,' and 
desired their names and sums might be entered accordingly. 

£. 5. £. s. 

Mr. John Woodcock - 1. 00. Thomas Woodcock - 0. 10. 
John Lane - - - - 1. 00. George Robinson — 1. 00. 
Israil Woodcock - 0. 10. David Freeman 1. 00. 

March 22d 1696 — 7. The town 'taking into consideration 
who are by law allowed to vote in town meetings, and finding 
so few allowed to vote, ordered that 'all the inhabitantd and 
town Dwellers' should have a right to vote in said meetings. — 
At this time town officers were chosen for the year ensuing, 
viz. 'Mr. John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, Daniel Jenks, 
Jonathan Fuller, Thomas Tingley, Selectmen ; Anthony 
Sprague, town Clerk ; Israil Woodcock, Constable ; Nicho- 
las Ide and Joseph Cowel, Surveyors ; Henry Sweet, Tithing- 
man; Thomas Tingley and Samuel Titus, Fence viewers; 
John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague and Daniel Jenks, Asses- 
sors ; John Lane, Grand juryman ; Benjamin Force for the 
Jury of trials in April next at the Quarter Sessions at Bristol.' 

May 10, 1697. At a town meeting for the choice of an 'As- 
sembly man for the Great and General Court' the inhabitants 
voted not to send a man 'by reason the town was excused by 
law.' 

July 12th 1697. The town voted to have a Pound made ac- 
cordin"" to law upon a piece of undivided land between the 
lands of Daniel Shepperson and James Jillson near the Bay 
Road. 

The inhabitants were often disturbed by Indians and others 
hunting and strolling about the town and insulting the inhab- 



23 

itanfs. In relation to these disturbances tlie town passed the 
following orders : 

Jan'y. 31st 1697 or 8. At a town meeting legally warned 
for the making of 'some town orders or by-laws touching per- 
sons disorderly coming into town who have no rights or lands 
in the same but are strangers and foreigners,' the town passed 
the following orders : 'It is ordered by the inhabitants of At- 
tleborough and voted in said meeting, that no person that is a 
stranger shall be received as an inhabitant without the consent 
or approbation of said town, or sufficient security given to 
the town by hiui or them that shall take in or harbor any 
person contrary to this order ; moreover, the Selectmen are 
appointed to take due care and sufficient security, in the be- 
half of the town, of and for all such persons as shall receive 
in or harbor any stranger or foreigner ; or to give order and 
warning to such stranger or foreigner to depart the town, ac- 
cording as the law directs, and that with all convenient speed 
after knowledge or notice given of the same ; so observing 
from time to time that the town be not charged with unneces- 
sary charges.' 

2d. 'The second order or by-Law was touching Indian for- 
eigners and strangers that have been complained of for uncivil 
carriages and behaviour towards some of the inhabitants of this 
town, for the prevention of which the inhabitants being desired 
to give their advice, by joint consent have voted and passed 
this Act, That no foreign Indian or stranger should be allow- 
ed to come into town being armed under hunting pretences 
nor suffered in the same to abide in drinkings and shootings 
at unseasonable times of night and threatenings to several per- 
sons, which is contrary to the law of this Province, and dis- 
turbing to several of tiiis town ; neither is any person or per- 
sons whatsoever within this town allowed to take in or harbor 
Indian or Indians armed other ihan such as hath been allowed 
or shall be allowed, without the unanimous consent of the in- 
habitants, at any time hereafter, but every person or persons, 
transgressing against this order or by-law, shall pay a fine of 
five shillings, each day, for the use of the poor of this town for 
every such offence.' 



24 

March 4th 1699 or 1700, in town meeting Daniel Shepper- 
son gave a piece of ground to set a Pound on 'at a place com- 
monly known and called Red Rock Hill by the road-side by a 
pine tree, which pound is to be built 30 feet square and fin- 
ished by the last of June 1700.' 

May 13th 1700. Voted not to send a Representative for 
the same reason that was assigned at the first meeting. 

March 25th 1701. In town meeting voted and appointed a 
'Training place to be on the South side of David Freeman's 
house, between the two ways, viz. the Bay road and the road 
that leadeth to Nicholas Ide's house.' At the same time the 
town 'did by major vote appoint the last Tuesday in March at 
9 o'clock A. M. to be their Election Day annually for choosing 
town officers according to law, without any further warning, 
so to continue till further order.' 

Feb. 9th 1702—3. It was voted that Ensign Nicholas Ide 
and Anthony Sprague with the Selectmen be a Committee to 
ao-ree in behalf of our town concerning the lines and bounds 
between Attleborough, Dorchester, and Wrentham. It was 
also voted that the Selectmen should make a town Rate for the 
payment of town debts, and that a quarter part of said rate be 
levied upon the polls, and the rest upon the estates ; and that 
said rate shall be paid in Indian corn at 2 s. 6 d. per bushel, 
or rye at 3 s. 6 d. per bushel, or oats at 1 s. 6d. per bushel, or 
in money. 

May 14th 1703. Voted not to send a representative hy rea- 
son they were so few in number and excused by law. 

The first inhabitant within the original limits of Attlebo- 
rou^^h was the celebrated William Blackstone, who was also 
the first settler and sole proprietor of Shawmut, now the beau- 
tiful city of Boston. Every thing relating to the life of this 
singular man must be interesting, not only to the people of 
this town, but to all who feel an interest in the ancient history 
of the Colonies. 

He came to this country from England about the year 1625, 
and settled first at Boston the Indian name of which was 
Shawmut. Here he remained alone, until the arrival of Gov- 
ernor VV^inthrop's company, in June 1630. They at first lo- 



25 

cat^ themselves at Charlestown ; but finding the water bad, 
and 'liking that plain neck that was then called Blackstone's 
Neck,'* they soon removed, by invitation, to the peninsula, 
s where they found a good spring of water. Mr. Blackstone 
had been, in England, a clergyman of the established church. 
But he lived in an age of religious bigotry, intolerance, and 
persecution ; and " not being able," as he said, " to endure the 
power of the Lords Bisliops," he left his native land and 
sought an asylum in the wilds of America, where he might en- 
joy his own opinions unmolested. After residing a few years 
with the new settlers of Shmomut, he found the same intole- 
rant and overbearing spirit among his new associates; and 
becoming " discontented with the power of the Lords Breth- 
ren," he was compelled to seek another retreat. In 1634, he 
sold his right and title in the peninsula to the inhabitants of 
Boston, each one paying him six shillings, and some of them, 
more. A reservation was made for him of about six acres 
where his house stood. 

The Peninsula of Boston was then called Blackstone's Neck, 
the whole of which he claimed as his property ; and this claim 
was recognized by the new settlers. With the purchase mon- 
ey he bought a ' stock of cows,' which he carried M'ith him to 
his new settlement on the banks of the Pawtucket river. 

The following document, quoted in Shaw's History of Bos- 
ton, gives some of the particulars of tliis purchase. 

'The deposition of John Odlyn, aged about 82 years ; Rob- 
ert Walker, aged about 78 years ; Francis Hudson, aged about 
60 years ; pnd William Lytherland, aged 70 years. — Thc?e 
deponents being antient dwellers and inhabitants of the town 
of Boston, from the time of the first planting thereof, do joint- 
ly testify and depose, that in or about the year of our Lord 
sixteen hundred and thirty four, the then present inhabitants of 
said town, (of whom the Hon. John Winthrop, Esq. Governor 
of the Colony, was chiefe,) did treate and agree with Mr. Wil- 
liam Blackstone for the purchase of his estate and right in any 
lands lying within the said neck of land, called Boston, and 



* Capt. Clap, May 1630. 



26 

for said purchase agreed that every householder should pay 
six shillings, which was accordingly collected— none paying 
less, some considerably more ; and the said sum was paid to 
Mr. Blackstone, to his full content. Reserving unto himself 
about six acres of land on the point, commonly called Black- 
stone's Point, on part whereof his then dwelling-house stood. 
After which purchase, the town laid out a place for a Training 
Field, which ever since, and now is used for that purpose, and 
for the feeding of cattle : Walker and Lytherland further tes- 
tify, that Mr. Blackstone bought a stock of cowes with the 
money he received, and removed near Providence, where he 
lived till the day of his death.' Sworn to the 10th of June, 
1684, before S. Bradstreet, Governor, and Samuel Sevvall, 
Assistant. 

Mr. Blackstone received £'3Q for his right to the Peninsula, 
as appears by the following record. The ' 10th day of the 9 
mo. 1034,' Voted that a rate be made, viz. 'a rate for ^30 to 
Mr. Blackstone.'* 

In 1635, he removed to another retreat, still farther in the 
wilderness, — beyond the tyranny of man. This place was on 
the banks of Pawtucket river whicli now bears his name, and 
was within the ancient limits of Attleborough, in that part cal- 
led the Gore, now Cumberland, R. I. This was .about ten 
years before the settlement of Rehoboth and a few years be- 
fore that of Providence. In this solitary retreat he built his 
house, cultivated liis garden and planted his orchard. His 
house and garden he surrounded with a park, which was his 
daily walk. His residence was on a hill near the Blackstone 
river ; and his orchard, just east of the hill. Here he remain- 
ed for many years in entire seclusion from the world, — here 
was none to disturb his lonely retreat. He was fiuuished with 
a library ; and nature and study charmed his solitary hours. 
He thus seated himself, for life, in peaceful solitude on the 
banks of the Blackstone. 



* Reckoning March the 1st month, this assessment was made in Decern* 
ber — the purchase, of course, was made previous to this date ; and Black- 
stone, in all probtbility, removed early in the suiigequent spring. 



27 

His house he called * Study Hall,' and the eminence, on 
which it was built, was named 'Study Hill,' — which name it 
still retains. This place* is about three miles above Pawtuck- 
et village, where the late Col. Simon Whipple resided. The 
Indian name of the place was Wawepoonseag. This name is 
mentioned in the Plymouth Records in describing the bounda- 
ries of the North Purchase in 1661 — 'From Rehoboth ranging 
upon Patucket River, to a place called by the natives Watve- 
poonseag,f where one Blackstone now sojourneth.' 

During his residence here, iu 1659, Mr. Blackstone married 
the widow Sarah Stevenson. | She died about the middle of 
June, 1673.§ He survived his wife only about two years, and 
died May 26th, 1675, | a few weeks before the commencement 
of tlie great Indian War, thus having escaped witnessing the 
horrors of that awful period, and the complete destruction 
which awaited his 'fair domain.' He had lived in New Eng- 
land about fifty years, nearly ten years at Shaiomut (now Bos- 
ton) and forty at this place. He must have been quite advan- 
ced at the time of his death — probably not far from eighty. 

* Mis title to the lands which he occupied was respected by the Plymouth 
Government, who ordered them recorded to him. 

' March 5th, 1671. Mr. Stephen Paine. Sen. of Rehoboth, and Mr. 
Nicholas Tanner were appointed by the Court to see Mr. Blackstone's 
land laid forth according to the grant.' — Old Col.Rec, 

His estate consisted of about 200 acies. 

tlhis is supposed by a writer in the Mass. His. Coll. to be properly the 
name of a brook, now called Abbott's Kun, which enters the river not far 
from Mr. Blackstone's residence. 

t ' Mr. William Blackstone was married to Sarah Stevenson, widow, the 
4th of July, 1659, by John Endicott, Crovernor.' — Town Records of Boston. 
She was the widow of John Stevenson of Boston, who had, by her, at least 
three children — Onesimus, born 26th 10th mo. 1643; John, born — 7th ino. 
1645*? and James, born Oct. ist, 1653. His second son, John Stevenson, 
lived with his mother after her marriage with Mr. Blackstone, and, after 
their decease, continued at the same place during the remaimter of his life. 

i ' Mr?. Sarah Blackstone the wife of Mr. William Blaxston, was buried 
about the middle of June, 1673.' — Rehoboth Records. 

Many of the ancient records mention the day of the burial, but not of 
the deaths of persons. 

+ ' Mr. William Blacksloti buried the 2Cth of May, 1765.'— i6. 



28 

Around him was still a wilderness when death snatched him 
from the sylvan retreat which he loved; but, (though the foot- 
steps of men were fast approaching,) how would he be aston- 
ished to behold the region around it (the place which he once 
thought secure from the haunt of men) now swarming with an 
industrious and thriving population ! How would he grieve to 
find the stream, whose placid waters as they flowed by his 
dwelling he delighted to contemplate, now interrupted by nu- 
merous water-works, and the silence which then reigned around 
him, now disturbed by the buzz of thousands of spindles ! To 
what ignoble purposes is his classic stream now devoted ! — 
What a contrast ! It is a change which the peace-loving spirit 
of Blackstone could not endure. To enjoy that solitude which 
was congenial to his taste, he would now be compelled to seek 
a new abode beyond the banks of the Mississippi. 

Blackstone was by no means a misanthrope, but a man of 
natural benevolence, who took this mode of indulging his love 
for solitude, and securing the unrestrained enjoyment of his 
own sentiments. He did not shun man because he hated hira, 
but because he loved solitude more than society. He was fond 
of study and contemplation, and here he could enjoy both. 
Possessing an independent and original mind, he could not 
brook the dogmatical and persecuting spirit of the age ; and to 
escape from its influence he fled to the wilds of America. 

He was not idle, though in solitude. He cultivated his gar- 
den and reared his orchard with his own hands ; and is said 
to have been devoted to his books. — Though meditative in his 
habits, — yet cheerful in disposition. He was acquainted with 
Roger Williams, the father of Rhode Island — a kindred spir- 
it; — and frequently went to visit him, and occasionally 
preached at Providence and the neighboring towns. 

He was a man of great eccentricity ; and often exhibited in 
his conduct the most ludicrous oddities. Among other anec- 
dotes, it is related of him that he had tamed a bull, (to supply 
the place of a horse,) on which he used to ride into Providence 
to visit his friends. ' He was also remarkable,' says Mr. Bay- 
lies, * ' for his love of children.' 

* Memoirs of Plymouth Colony^ — which is a work of great interest — em- 
bodying a large ainouot of historical information on the Old Colony. 



29 

At a late centennial celebration in Boston, under the direc- 
tion of the Mass. His. Society, a present of apples was sent to 
their table from Cumberland, said to have grown on the trees 
which grew from the sprouts of those in Blackstone's orchard. 
Some of the trees planted by his own hands were living a hun- 
dred and forty years after they were set out. 

He left one son John Blackstone, who, it is supposed, 'set- 
tled somewhere near New Haven.' Of him history says little 
or nothing. But by diligent research I have ascertained a few 
particulars. 

He was a minor when his father died, and had guardians ap- 
pointed by the Court.! He lived on his inheritance till 1693 
when he sold his lands to David Whipple, | and soon after re- 
moved to Providence, and, for a while, contented himself with 
the humble occupation of a shoemaker. There,§ it is proba- 
able, he mariied his wife Katharine, and continued to reside 
till 1718, when he returned to Attleborough, and, with his 
wife, was legally warned out of town. |f He is presumed to 
be the person mentioned in the records, as no other of that 
name has been known in this part of the country. It is gen- 

t' June 1st 1675. Lieut. Hunt, Ensign Fmith and Mr. Daniel Smith are 
appointed and authorized by the Court to take seme present care of the es- 
tate of Mr. William Blackstone deceased, and of his son now left by him ; 
and to see that the next Court he do propose a man to the Court to be bis 
guardian; which in case he do neglect, the Court will then see cause to 
make choice of one for him.'— OW Col. Rec. 

« Get. 27th 1675. Mr. Nathaniel Paine and Mr. Daniel Smith are ap- 
pointed and approved by the Court, to be guardians unto John Blackstone, 
the son of Mr. William Blackstone deceased.' — ib. 

% The original Deeds, with John Blackstone's signature, are still in exis- 
tence, and are in the possession of Mr. John Whipple of Cumberland, The 
first is dated Sept. 10th 1692. He spells his name Blaxlon, which was un- 
doubtedly, at the time, the true orthography. 

} There is no record of his marilage in this town. 

H For what cause does not appear, but may be conjectured. He had 
probably squandered his property, for, tradition says, he inherited but a 
•mall ihare of his father's prudence. 
5 



30 

erally supposed by historians that the family is now extinct. — 
But it is not certain, however, (though probable) that the blood 
of Blackstone 'runs not in the viens of a single human being.' 
There is some reason to believe that his son emigrated to Con- 
necticut, and settled on a neck of land, not far from New Ha- 
ven, where, it is possible, some of his posterity may exist in 
the female line. I have been informed that there was a family 
of that name who lived there in seclusion for many years. 

His son-in-law John Stevenson came with his mother when 
she married Mr. Blackstone, being about 14 years old, and 
lived with them till their death.* He came into possession of 
a part of his father-in-law's estate, as appears by the following 
order of Plymouth Court, passed June 10th 1675, about two 
weeks after Blackstone's decease. 

' Whereas the Court is informed that one whose name is 
John Stevenson, son-in-law to Mr. William Blackstone, late 
deceased, was very helpful to his father and mother in their 
life-time, without whom they could not have subsisted as to a 
good help and instrument thereof, and he is now left in a low 
and mean condition, and never was in any measure recom- 
pensed for his good service aforesaid, and if, (as it is said at 
least) his father-in-law engaged to his mother at his marriage 
with her, that he should be considered with a competency of 
land out of the said Blackstone's land then lived on, which 
hath never yet been performed ; and forasmuch as the person- 
al estate of the said William Blackstone is so small and incon- 
siderable, that he the said Stephenson cannot be relieved out 
of it; this Court, therefore, in consideration of the premises, 
do order and dispose fifty acres of land unto the said John 
Stevenson, out of the lands of the said William Blackstone, 
and five acres of meadow, to be laid out unto him by Ensign 
Henry Smith, and Mr. Daniel Smith and Mr. Nathaniel Paine, 
according as they shall think meet, so as it may be most comrao- 
dious to him or as little prejudicial to the seat of Mr. William 



* There is an error in a short sketch of Mr. Blackstone in the Mass. His. 
Coll. where it is said that he left two children, a son, ' and a daughter mar- 
ried to John Stephenson.* The latter, as already mentioned, was the son of 
hi$ wife by her first hutbaod. 



31 

Blackstone as may be. By order of the Court for the Juris- 
diction of New Plymouth.'*— O/rf Col. Rec. 

* The bounds of this grant are recorded in the Records of the North Pur- 
chase, Book 1st p. 47. Extracts are made for the gratification of those who 
may wish to know the situation of his lands. 

' Imp. Fifty acres of upland lying upon Patucket River, most of it upon 
the South Neck, being part of that land that was left for Mr. William Black- 
stone and granted by the Court to John Stevenson: bounded to the east- 
ward the land of John Fitch and the Common ; westerly, Patucket River, 
and Southerly ; to the northward, the land of John Blackstone; it being 
106 rods long.' 

The five acre lot of meadow mentioned in the grant is also recorded as 
laid out by the Commissioners. 

1st. Two acres of meadow adjoining to the said lands lying in two pieces ; 
one piece within the former tract of land, and the other by the river side 
upon the Southernmost end of it. 

2d. ' 1 hree acres of fresh meadow lying at the northeast corner of the 
meadow commonly known by the name of Blackstonc's Great Bleadow, J 
from a white oak tree marked, and so through the breadth of the meadow to 
the U'jr'. the Run bounding it to the northards ; westward, the meadbw of 
John Blackstone: eastward, the swamp; southward, the upland.' 

There is another tract which he probably purchased. ' Fifty acres of 
upland, more or less, bounded east the land of Ensign Nich. Peck and Rob. 
Miller; north, the land of Sara. Carpenter; west, a highway four rods wide 
(between John Blackstone's land and this lot) and a little piece of common 
land ; south, coming near John Fitch's grave, to the Common. 

There is to be taken out of this lot a highway 2 rods wide next to Sam. 
Carpenter's land to meet with the highway at the east end of said Carpen- 
ter's lot.' 

Likewise 10 acres of land, allowed to John Stevenson by the king's juiy, 
for lar.d for highuays, taken out of his land, lying on the southerly side of 
Abbott's Run, &;c. 

Another record of land commences thus: ' Likewise two acres of land 
that I took up adjoining to my own land, at the southerly end of it, which 
I had in exchange with my brother John Blackstone, &c. 



To gratify the curious, the boundaries of John Blackstone's lands are ad- 
ded, by which the precise location of his father's estate may be ascertained. 

Imp. A iiuiidrcd and fifty acres of upland, swamp, and meadow ground, 
more or less, containing the West Plain (commonly so called) and land ad- 
jacent ; bounded, to the northward, the land of Isaac Allen ; to the eoutb'- 



\ Often called in the Records The Parson's MeadovF, 



S2 

Stevenson acquired a taste for solitary life by living with 
Blackstone, and resided here, (it is believed, alone) till his 
death. There is no evidence of his ever having been married. 
His time was devoted to the cultivation of his lands and the 
pleasures of hunting. He died Sept. iGth, 1G35. His broth- 
et James Stevenson, of Spriri^field, was appointed his Admin- 
istrator; who returned an Inventory, Oct. 11th, 1G95, from 
which it appears that his whole estate was valued ati£57. 5. 2.* 

This is all the account which I can find of the first settler 
w^ithin the bounds of the North Purchase, and of those con- 
nected with him. But his name will be preserved in perpetual 
remembrance, for it is inseparably attached to that noble river 
which flows past the site of his ancient and solitary dwelling. 
His name is also transferred to a work of art — to that Canal 
■which bears the wealth and produce of the interior of Massa- 
chusetts to the original abode of Roger Williams. The Valley 
of the Blackstone has become celebrated as a manufacturing 
district, and contributes, by the advantages of its water power, 
to the wealth and industry of New England. Hardly could 



vard, the land of Jobn Stevenson ; to ibe westward, Pawtucket river; to 
tbe eastward, the land of John Stevenson, the highway, and the undivided 
land ; there running through it a country highway to Pawtucket river, four 
rods wide. 

Likewise a parcel of fresh meadow commonly known by the name of 
Elackslonc's Meadow, being eight acres, toundeJ to the eastward, the 
meadow of John Stevenson, &c. 

Jjikcivise twenty acres (laid out to John Blackstone, granted to him by 
the king's jury for a way taken through his farm to Palluckd River,) run- 
ning 76 rods N. TT. and by W. and 42 rods S. W. and by S. bounded round 
by the undivided land ; this tract lying near the new road to Dedham. 

Likewise two acres which he bad upon exchange with his brother John 
Stevenson, adjoining to bis own farm, on tbe westerly side of the country 
highway, next the house ; bounded easterly by the highway, westerly his 
own farm, and southerly by a small run of water; and in consideration of 
it John Stevenson had two acres of what John Blackstone was to have al- 
lowed by the king's jury, for the highway through his land to Providence. 
Records H, N. Purchase, Book 1, page 153. 



* ' His bouse, lands, and meeidows at {50. His gun, cutlass, and cartouch 
Ijox 19. 18. O; &c. &c. 



53 

Blackstone— the lover of undisturbed solitude — have dreamed 
when he forsook the Peninsula of Boston, and pitched his 
lonely dwelling on the banks of this placid stream, that his 
peaceful retreat would be so soon the scene of industry and 
the abode of a numerous popvilation, and its silence broken by 
the busy works of art ! Were his spirit permitted to revisit 
the scene of his former enjoyments — he would be obliged to 
penetrate another wilderness — to form a new garden, and 
plant a new orchard — and to seek in a more distant region of 
the West a spot congenial to his taste.* 

The place which he chose for his residence is a truly beau- 
tiful and romantic spot — such as a recluse and a lover of na- 
ture would select. The place where his house stood is a small 
hill, the surface of which would make an acre or more ; on the 
east is a gradual ascent, but on the west it rises abruptly from 
the river to the height of 60 or 70 feet ; there the Blackstone 
winds gracefully at its base,t forming a slight curve at a short 
distance south of the hill. Its summit commands a fine view 
of the 'valley of the Blackstone' to the distance of more than a 
mile on the South. On the east is a delightful and fertile val- 
ley consisting of a few acres, which opens to the south on the 
borders of the meadow, and is bounded on the east and north 
east by a gentle eminence, on the top of which runs the 'Men- 
don road' so often mentioned in the ancient land records. 
This valley was cultivated by the hands of Blackstone ; here 
was his orchard, where are seen the stumps of apple-trees, cut 

* Every thing in relation to Blackstone is interesting to the public; I 
have, therefore, been minute in this description. 

It could never have occurred to hiui, who, to avoid the notice of men, 
sought the shades of solitude, that future ages would take so deep an inter- 
est in his history — that he should be an object of minute research to the an- 
tiquarian — and that every circumstance, connected with his life, which could 
be rescued from the Land of oblivion, should be sought out with so much 
avidity I 

tThe river, within forty years past, has enlarged its channel at this place 
and now washes the very base of the hill, as if attracted to the spot by & 
grateful remembrance of him who first sought its banks and loved its stream, 
and whose honored name it now bears. The margin of the river was 
Sonnerly tbr«e rods at leatt weit from the bill. 



34 

down within a few years, which are said to have grown from 
the sprouts of the first trees planted by him. His well is still 
pointed out, at the southern border of this valley ; though now 
filled up with moss and weeds, the pure water still bubbles up 
from its fountains. His grave is also designated, though with 
less certainty ; it is in the orchard, about two rods east from 
the foot of the hill and north of the well. The "flat stone which 
it is said, marked his grave,' is not now visible ; it is either re- 
moved or buried under the surface. 

One Alexander, who was drowned in the river, was buried, 
it is said, by the side of Mr. Blackstone. Is it not probable 
that his wife is also buried at the same place ? 

The spot on which he lived, has returned to its original 
state of nature. Six or seven years ago, a heavy growth of 
timber trees was cut from this hill ; and its surface is now 
thickly covered with young and thrifty wood. Oaks of a hun- 
dred years have grown on the garden of Blackstone ! 

The first settlement within the bounds of the present town 
of Attleborough was in the neighborhood of the Baptist Meet- 
ing House, where Hatch's tavern now stands. It was coir.men- 
ced by Mr. John Woodcock and his sons, soon after the first 
division in 1669. Here he built a public house on the Bay 
Road ; and laid out lands to the amount of about 300 acres, 
which afterwards made an excellent farm. At this time and 
subsequently he took up, in several parts of the town, about 
600 acres,* part on his own shares and the rest on rights which 
he purchased of Roger Amidowne, James Redeway, Andrew 
Willett, &c. 

His house was occupied for a Garrison. It was licensed in 
1670, according to the following record. 

' July 5th 1670. John Woodcock is allowed by the Court to 
keep an Ordinary at the ten mile river (so called) which is in 
the way from Rehoboth to the Bay ; and likewise enjoined to 
keep good order, that no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted 
there. — Old Col. Rec. 

His name first appears in the Rehoboth records the 28th 4th 



*A part of this was on Bungay River, (where Bishop's shop lately stood) 
which be conveyed to big son Jonathan, with the fiawmill thereon standing. 



35 

mo. 1647, when he bought the lands of Ed. Patterson. He 
was admitted a freeman of that town, May 14th 1673. 

Weodcockwas a man of some consideration in those days — 
his name frequently appearing in town offices and on com- 
mittees. June 2d 1691 he was chosen Deputy to the General 
Court from Rehoboth, and at several other times. He was 
shrewd, hardy, fearless and adventurous — a character just suit- 
ed to the times in which he lived, and the circumstances in 
which he was placed. 

He held Indian rights in very low estimation. On one oc- 
casion he took the liberty of paying himself a debt due to him 
from a neighboring Indian, without the consent of the debtor, 
or the intervention of judge, jury, or sheriif — for which achieve- 
ment he received the following sentence from the Court, — an 
example of the rigid justice of the Puritans. 

' 1654. John Woodcock of Rehoboth, for going into an In- 
dian house and taking away an Indian child and some goods 
in lieu of a debt the Indian owed him, was sentenced to set in 
the stocks at Rehoboth an hour on a Training day, and to pay 
a fine of forty shillings.' 

Old Col. Rec. Court Orders, Book Sd. 

Woodcock had two wives ; Sarah, who died in May 1676, 
and a second one, Joanna, who survived him. He had a large 
family of children, some if not all of whose names I have as- 
certained : (though no record of them is preserved on the books) 
viz. John, Israil, Nathaniel (killed by the Indians) Jonathan, 
Thomas ; and at least — three daughters ; one, married to 
Thomas Esterbrook, one, to Samuel Guild, and another, Deb- 
orah, to Benj'n Onion May 24th 16S3. There were two oth- 
ers of this name supposed to be children of John Woodcock, 
viz. Alice, married to Baruck Bucklin, and Mary, married to 
Jonathan Freeman. There was also a Sarah Woodcock who 
married Alexander Bolkcom. 

John Woodcock sen. died Oct. 20, 1701 — having arrived at a 
very advanced age, in spite of many attempts which had been 
made by the Indians to destroy him. It is said, that after his 
death the scars of seven bullet holes were counted on his body ! 
He was an inveterate and implacable enemy to the Indians— 



36 

the cause of which will hereafter appear in the notice of some 
events in Phillip's War. In encounters with them, on several 
occasions, he ran imminent risks of his life. He was foremost 
in all enterprises, the object of which was the destruction of 
the Indians. He was a very useful man as a pioneer in the 
dangers of a new settlement — being cunning in contrivancCi 
and bold and active in execution. 

Woodcock's Garrison* was a well known place of rendezvous 
in the great Indian War. It was one in a chain of fortifications 
extending from Boston to Rhode Island. There was one in 
Boston ; one in Dedham at Ames' corner ; Woodcock's in this 
place ; one, it is said, at Rehoboth,t now Seekonk ; and anoth- 
er at Newport on the Island ; and perhaps others in the inter- 
mediate spaces. 

This stand, which is now owned and occupied by Col. Hatch, 
is the oldest m the county of Bristol — a public house having 
been kept on the spot, without intermission, from July 5th 
1670, to this time June 1833— during a period of one hundred 
and sixty-three years ! It is situated on the Boston and Provi- 
dence turnpike. I have been at considerable pains to ascer- 
tain the names of the several owners, in succession, and the 
times at which they purchased — some brief notices of which 
may be interesting to the reader. 

It was established by John Woodcock, as already related in 
1670r-the laud having been laid out and cleared by him for 
the purpose. He occupied it about 23 years. 

Feb. 17th, 1693 — 4. John Woodcock sen. of Rehoboth, 
(with Joanna his wife) for <£390 money in hand received, con- 
veys to John Devotion of Muddy River, formerly of Boston,' 
a tract of land containing 210 acres, being 'at a place com- 
monly called ten mile river by a highway called Wrentham 
lane,' A-c. ' with the mansion or dwelling house, barn, and all 
other out housing and buildings (the Smith's shop only except- 



*rhis was probably the only bouse (excepting immediate neighbors') on 
the 'Bay road,' between Rehoboth and Dedham — though this was then the 
main road from R. Island, Bristol and Rehoboth to Boston. 

tSituated in the centre of the Great Plains, on the borders of which the 
first settlements were principally located. 



37 

ed standing on the river ;')* also about 30 acres lyin<?on N. W. 
side the country road formerly ^iven to his son John Wood- 
cock, bounded by ten mile R. &c. with his son's dwelling house 
and barn on the same. ' John Devotion took quiet possession 
of the same, April 9th 1G94, in presence of Nathaniel Brent- 
nall, William Chaplin.'t 

Woodcock laid out the ancient Burying ground near his 
house. In the above mentioned conveyance is the followino- 
reservation. 'Except a small parcel of at least six rods square 
or the contents thereof, for a burying place in which my wife 
and several of my children and neighbors are interred, with 
liberty for my children and neighbors to come upon and make 
use thereof forever as occasion may be.'| 

John Devotiou occupied the premises more than 17 years. 
He left no descendants here ; and after selling his estate re- 
moved to Wethersfield, afterwards to Suffield.§ His wife's 
name was Hannah. 

July 10th 1711, John Devotion for =£'400 money paid, con- 
veys the said farm (containing 280 acres more or less) to John 
Daggett of Chilmark in Dukes County, Martha's Vineyard, 

* A shop now stands on the same spot. 

t In this conveyance to Devotion is the following curious item: ' Also, 
all the said John Woodcock his right to, and privilege in, a house and pas- 
ture at Wrentham for accommodation of his family and horses on Sabbath 
days and other public times, as occasion may be.' 

Previous to his removal here, he had a house at Rehoboth for a similar 
purpose. Seepage 13. From this and other recorils it appears that he and 
his family were very attentive to public worship. 

\ This is the oldest grave yard in the town, — where the first settlers are 
buried. It is situated on the easterly side of the road opposite the Hotel. 
The first inteiment in this plaee was that of Nathaniel Woodcock who was 
killed by the Indians in Phillip's War, May 1676, and was b'lried on the 
spot where he fell, which is still pointed out in the centre of the grave yard. 
This ceraeteiy is now in a state of dilapidation — many of the stones have 
fallen down, and the whole is going rapidly to decay. It is the duty of 
that neighbcihood or the town, (a duty which siatitude demands) to see 
the ground decently enclo^ed and the stones erected, that the few memorial* 
which now exist of our early ancestry may be preserved. 

i He had a son John Devotion, a schoolmaster, living in S^ansra in 1716. 
Q 



28 

(the first of that name who settled in this town) with 25 acres 
on Nine mile R. (except 2 acres, the barn and orchard on it, 
now in possession of Penticost Blackinton.) ' Also, one whole 
share in the undivided lands in Attleboroiigh. 

April 16th 1722. John Daggett, for =£550, sells the same 
to Alexander Maxcy, ' being his homestead, containuir 170 
acres in 2 parts on the Ten Mile R. &c. at a place called 
Mount Hope Hdl.'* The said Maxcy died in about a year af- 
ter this purchase. At the division of his estate (1730) the es- 
tablishment passed into the hands of his oldest son Josiah Max- 
cy. After his death in 1772, (if not before) it came into the 
possession of his son Levi Maxcy, who occupied it till about 
17S0 when he sold it to Col. Israil Hatch the present occupant. 

The old Garrison was torn down in 1806, and a large and 
elegant building erected on the spot, 5S by 60 feet, 3 stories 
high.t It thus appears that the first building erected on the 
place stood one hundred and thirty six years. A great part of 
the timber was said to be perfectly sound —pierced, however, 
by many a bullet received in Phillip's War. A relic of this 
house, it is said, was preserved in the archives of the Mass. 
His. Soc. 

Several families settled near Mr. Blackstone's seat soon af- 
ter, if not previous to the war. 

Another early settlement was at the Falls (so called) now 
the Falls Factories. The natural advantages of a fine fall of 
water attracted the settlers to the spot. The banks of rivers 
were generally selected by the first occupants on account of 
the ' natural meadows' which they afforded, and which were 
highly valued at a time when the face of the country was cov- 
ered with forests. 

The first person who laid out lands at the latter place (as 
near as can be ascertained from the records) was John Dag- 
gett of Rehoboth, who, in Oct. 1677, sold 50 acres of it to his 

* So called to tbis day. 

+ Tbe original building only was taken down; — an addition, built at 
an early period, vag moved a little back, where it now stands, * carved o'er 
with many a long forgotten name.' A small remnant, one room, of ibe old 
Garrison may iiill be seen adjoiuing the wood bouga. 



39 

brother Thomas Daggett of Marthas Vineyard. Edward Hall* 
aisi) at an early period owned 50 acres here, which he gave hy 
will to Ins son John, and he sold it to Jidin Stevenson and 
Samuel Penfield ; the latter sold it, in 166G, to Thomas Dag- 
gett of Edgarlown, and Joseph and Nathaniel Daggetlt of 
Rehoboth. This was the land immediately around the Falls 
inrluding the privilege. The first mill built there was a 'Corn 
]\lill,' owned or occupied by the above named Joseph Daggett, 
at what time is not known. This was doubtless the first mill 
in town. March 30th 1703, the town voted that Jos. Daggett 
of lielioboth have the privilege ' that the stream at the Ten 
Mile River Falls shall go free of all sorts of taxes until a Corn 
mill has the constant custom of three score families; and if a 
saw mill be built, that to bear his eciual share in public charges 
in said town.' 

Tliomas Butler| also laid out land near the Mill. 

The southeast corner of the town was early inhabited by 
people from Rehohcth. The borders of the Bay Road which 
passed through the neighborhood of Newell's and the City 
were occupied by some of the first settlers. This was the 
main route from Bristol to Boston, and was the first road ia 
town. 

Proceedings of the Proprietors. 
The Proprietors of the Rehoboth North Purchase soon be- 
came a distinct body from the town, and kept separate books. 
Before proceeding to other parts of the history of the town, it 
may be proper to detail some of the transactions of the Pro- 
prietors, which will throw light on our early history, and give 
a view of the difficulties which they had to encounter in the 
settlement. 



* I ben of Rehnbnth. previously of Taunton. Admitted a freeman of 
MassHciiusells 31 ay 2, 16?8. One John Hall was ailinittod May 14, 1634, 
anil another May 6ih, 1635. Edward had 7 children— John born before 
lii? father came to Hehoboth,— i-aniuel, Jeremiah, Thomas, Preserved, Aa» 
drew, He jiimin, from 1656 to 1658. 

t The a^t two were the tons of John Daggett the first of Rehoboth. 

'^ Th«r« wert threa of the name of Butler in towa. 



40 

The Proprietors' Books commence in 1672. Previous to 
this their proceedinojs were recorded in the Rehoboth town 
books. A certain company (consisting of inhabitants of Reho- 
both) purchased, as already appears a certain tract of land of 
the Indians, through their agent, and the title was confirmed 
by the Government,* which tract was called The Rehoboth 
North Purchase. There were 82 purchasers or share-hold- 
ers, 76 of whom had whole shares, and 6, half shares, making 
79 whole shares, t They called meetings, (notified according 
to law) and from time to time granted divisions of so many 
acres to a share — which were laid out to the shareholders, by 
metes and bounds, by a committee and surveyor chosen for the 
purpose, under such regulations and instructions as were es- 
tablished by the company and were recorded by the Clerk in 
the Proprietors' Books. This constituted a valid right to the 
lands so recorded. In this way all the original titles to land in 
this town were obtained. A transfer of a share might be made 
by deed, a record of the sale being entered in the Proprietors' 
books. Or, a person might obtain a title to lands by purchas- 
ing of a proprietor a right to lay out a certain number of acres 
in a division already granted, which would be recorded to him 
in the same manner as to the original owner. 

The Grant was first made to such inhabitants of Rehoboth 
as held a fifty pounds estate and upwards, they having made 
the purchase; but in 1670 all who were then inhabitants of 
that town were admitted as proprietors by entering their 
names, as appears by the following extract from a Court order 
passed Oct. 7th, 1670. 

'Whereas the lands on the Northerly side of Rehoboth now 
sold by Deed and passed over to the Proprietors of that town 
(viz.) to all that hold lands there from a fifty pounds estate 
and upwards ; yet by mutual agreement amongst themselves all 
the inhabitants were taken in to be joint purchasers, it is de- 
termined that the names of such as were not comprehended in 
the above mentioned Deed shall be entered in their town rec- 



* No purchase of Indian lands was valid without the grant or confirma- 
tion of the Government. 
t What consideralion was paid for tiie jiurchase does not appear. 



41 

ords and in the public records of the Colony, to be, if they de- 
sire it, as full and equal purchasers and proprietors in those 
lands as the rest.' 

These lands were at first exempted from full taxation, 'to 
accommodate the poorer sort with land and yet so as not to 
oppress them as much otherwise.' The Court ordered 'that 
all the IVorth lands, both farms and else,' should be taxed in a 
rate separate from the town of Rehoboth, and should pay 30 
shillings in a <£40 rate to the Colony, and in the same propor- 
tion in the Ministerial and other charges, 'until the Court 
shall see cause otherwise to dispose cunceining them, until 
which time they shall be and remain within the Constablerick 
of the township of Rehoboth.' Oct. 7, 1670. 

The Proprietors sometimes exercised legislative powers, 
which were, however, to some extent, authorized by Statute. 

June 10th 1707. Voted, that all who have lands laid out in 
the North Purchase and have not renewed their bounds since 
the 1st of March last, shall, between this date and the last of 
September next, renew the same, or forfeit the sum often shil- 
lings to be recovered as a debt due : the one half to the infortner, 
and the other half to the Proprietors, any one of whom are author- 
ized to prosecute this act. 

At the same meeting it was ordered that all the timber cut 
on the undivided lands should be forthwith seized ; and a com- 
mittee was appointed to hear and determine by what right it 
was cut, and if found without good right, then to take the 
methods of the law in that case provided. 

Sept. 16, 1707. Voted that the Committee with the survey- 
or, shall lay out all needful highways for the Proprietors 
in said Purchase, and make restitution to persons whose lands 
are taken for this purpose, in any of the undivided lands.* 

Nov. 1708. The Proprietors chose a committee to look af- 
ter the northerly bounds of their purchase. At this time com- 
menced the long and tedious contest about the northern boun- 
dary of the purchase which was the Old Colony line. The 
subject was discussed at every meeting, and committees often 

• A large proportion of the highwajs in this town were laiJ out by th« 
Proprietors, accoaipanie*! by tb« ^ieicctmen. 



4i 

appointed to devise means of protecting the rights of the pur- 
chasers. Petitions were sent to the General Court, counsel 
were employed to defend their rights; and finally a petition 
and an agent were sent to England. 

July 21st 1714. Voted that two acres of land on the hill 
before Mr. David Freeman's, where the Burying j)lace now is, 
shall be laid out for a Burying place for Attleborough. This 
is the grave-yard near the village called the City. 

June 13th 1717. Voted unanimonsly that Col. Nath'I. 
Paine Esq. Mr. Richard Waterman, Esq. Lieut. Anthony 
Sprague, Mr. Dan. Jenks and Mr. Dan. Smith be a committee 
to see to the Northerly bounds, hereby giving them ftdl power 
to act in all respects in behalf of the whole Propriety concern- 
ing running the line between Attleboro' Wrentliam and Ded- 
hani, where it ought lawfully to be stated according to our 
purchase deed. 

July 14th 1717. The Committee were authorized to defend 
all suits of law that may be commenced by any person or per- 
sons against the Propriety, and to empower any attorney or 
attornies that may be needful for advice ; and further to com- 
mence any action or actions that they may think proper for the 
benefit of the said Propriety. 

Nov. 2d 1720. Voted that the former Committee still pro- 
ceed with their Petitions, even until they send to England 
about the right of our northern line (if they cannot be heard 
in our own government), and that the expense be paid by the 
proprietors according to their several interests. 

Voted that one hundred acres of undivided land be sold to 
defray the expenses of defending the northern line, t 

Feb. 21st 1726 — 7. Voted that any person or persons who 
will sue for our rights in the land challenged by Dorchester or 
Stoughton, Wrenthain and Bellingham, and to the South of 
Nath. Woodward and Solomon SafFrey's line and on the north 
of the town and all that part that lieth within their challenge, 
shall have the fourth part of said tract of land if they recover 



t At a subsequent meeting in 1752, the Clerk was anllioiized to fell to 
any of the proprietors 79A acre* of undivided land at 8 shillings hv/ulmon- 



43 

it to the use of the Propriety. Maj. Leonard Esq. Capt John 
Foster and Ensign Daniel Peck appeared in said meeting and 
accepted the offer. 

June 5, 1727. At this meeting a petition in rhyme was pre- 
sented by one Joshua Barrows,* at that time a well known e.z- 
tempure rhymster, of whose productions many specimens are 
still remembered; and of whose wit and eccentricity tradition 
has preserved numerous amusing anecdotes. He seems to 
have suffered tlie common fate of poets, poverty. His peti- 
tion is recorded at length in the Proprietors' books, — which is 
transcribed merely for the amusement of the reader. 
•Your Honors now I do implore 

To read my poor petition ; 
I hope your heaits will open be 

To pity my condition. 
Ten acres of the Common Land 

I pray that you would give ; 
Then thankful I will be to you 

As long as I do live. 
Such a kindness, I must confess, 

From you 1 don't deserve ; 
But when in health, I freely work — 

Why should you let me starve 1 
From day to day my daily bread 

1 get it by my sweat ; 
But to my sorrow, I beg and borrow 
When sickness doth me let. 

No more in rhyme here at this time, 

No more 1 have at hand, 
And so I'll end, your faithful friend 
And servant to command. 

Joshua Barrows.' 
Attleborough, June 5th 1727. 

The prayer of this j)etition our good-natured forefathers 
could not resist. ' Upon the hearing of the aforesaid petition 
of Joshua Barrows, there were sundry persons in said meeting 

• He ig «aid to have been entirely illiterate. 



-44 

which were proprietors, which gave him land to take up upon 
their rights — their names are as follovveth, &.c.' — making in 
the whole 13 acres, whicli were hiid out and recorded to him. 

It appears from the report of a committee tiiat an agent was 
actually employed in England to defend their boundaries. In 
their account are the following items : 

Paid for silver money to send to England .£21 17 6. 

Paid to Nath. Brown for carrying the money to 

Boston to send to England - - - .£2 02 6 

To expense at Providence when both committees 
met there to wait on Gov. Jencks, and writing 
to send to England after his return from Eng- 
land, &c. &c. -----_ ^1 7 6 

Jan. 3d 1750—1. Chose Col. Thomas Bowen, Maj. John 
Foster and Capt. Sam. Tyler a committee, fully empowering 
them to prepare a petition praying the General Court that 
some effectual method may be taken for the perfecting of a 
straight line* from the middle of Accord Pond (so called) 
westward to that station Avhich is three English miles south of 
the southernmost part of Charles River, agreeable to a settle- 
ment made by the Government of New Plymouth and the 
Massachusetts in the year 1640. 

Sept. 26th 1751. Made choice of James Otis of Boston and 
John Foster of Attleborough, Esqrs. a committee in addition 
to Benj. Day and Nath. Smith (chosen at a former meeting) to 
present a petition about to be heard at the General Court at 



* The cause of dispute was an angle in the Old Colony Line, which is 
Eaid to have originated in this way : The Comi,ii«s!oners, who were appoint- 
ed in 1640 by the two colonies to run the line between theiu, coranienced 
near the shore at a rock called Bound Kock in the middle of Accord Pond, 
which is in the line between Scituateand Cohassett, (once part of Hinghain) 
intending to reach by a straight line the most northerly point of Plymouth 
Colony, on the easterly liieofR. Island; but when they had arrived within 
about three miles they discovered that their course would carry them far to 
the South of the intended point. Instead of rectifying the whole line they 
made an angle and took a new cour.-e so far nortii as to reach the true 
point I At this turn stood a large oak tree markfed which was called Angle 
Tree. A large Stone Monument has been since erected on the spot by 
Attleborough and Wreotbatn. 



45 

their next sessiorij and to pursue said petition until it is fully 
determined by said Court; and to petition anew if need be, to 
have the line settled on the northerly part of our Purchase. 

May 19th 1752. Chose a committee and gave them full 
power to eject any person or persons out of the possession of 
those lands they have possessed themselves of, withia the 
North Purchase Grant, without the consent of the Proprietors, 
as also full power to sue and pursue any action brought for the 
purpose, to final judgment and execution. 

May 27th, 1754. The committees of Rehoboth N. Purchase 
and Taunton N. Purchase entered into an agreement to com- 
mence actions of ejectment against persons who had intruded 
upon their respective purchases, the costs to be borne equally 
by the two Proprieties. 

Divisions of land in the IN. Purchase have been made among 
the Proprietors at dift'ereut times, as follows : 

1. A Division of 50 acres to a share granted March IS, 16G8-9 

2. " of 50 acres to a share was granted Feb. 18th 1684 

3. " " 50 acres, in 2 parts, 25 acres each, Oct. 31, 1699 

4. " 

5. " 

6. " 

7. " 

8. " 

9. " 

10. " 

11. " 

12. " 
1^ " 

The most valuable parts of this Purchase were taken up by 
these divisions many years since. A small but broken and un- 
productive remnant of this land yet remains common and undi- 
vided on Cutting's Plain (so called) on the road from East 
Attleborough to Wrentham. 

From their records and the extracts which have been made, 
it appears that the proprietors made their own regulations, 
gave their own titles to lands, and in fact, enacted all their 
7 



" 50 


acres 


in 2 


lotments, 


1703 


" 50 i 


acres 


was 


granted 


June 10th, 1707 


" 50 


(( 


a 


(( 


July 21st, 1714 


" 20 


(( 


(( 


(( 


Feb.2lst, 1726— 7 


" 10 


u 


u 


(< 


April 14Lh, 1735 


" S 


(( 


(( 


<c 


April 4th, 1760 


" 2 


(( 


(( 


(( 


1793 


" 2 


(( 


(( 


(( 


180 1 


" 1 


a 


(( 


(( 


1820 


" 1 


(( 


(( 


(( 


May 10th, 1833 



46 

laws relative to the ownership and the original conveyance of 
lands included in their purchases. 

Names of the Clerks of the Propriety. 

William Carpenter, Jr. chosen May 17th, 1682 

Daniel Smith " May 31st, 1703 

Noah Carpenter " April 23d, 1724 

John Robbins, Jr. " May 1st, 1752 

John Daggett " Dec 9th, 1763 

Ebenezer Daggett " July 1st, 1793 and 

continued till his death March 4th, 1832. Lucas Daggett cho- 
sen May 10, 1833. 

INDIAN WAR. 

The few events, connected with this war. which occurred 
here, should not be omitted in the history of the town. 

The peaceful regions, which we now inhabit, once resound- 
ed with the shrill and terrible war-whoop of the Indian. — 
These fields and woods, these hills and vales were once trod 
by the wild hunters of the forest. They were the domains of 
another race of men, who have long since passed away and are 
known only by the brief histories and scattered relics which 
their conquerors have preserved. But whatever relates to them 
is interesting. They were distinguished by many peculiarites. 
They had their savage vices, but possessed at the same time 
their savage virtues. They were hardy, bold and warlike. 

The most important and critical period in the history of the 
Colony was the Indian War of 1675 — 6. This was a gloomy 
and fearful period to these infant settlements. The hour of 
their destruction seemed to be drawing nigh. They were a 
scattered people, — spreading over a wide extent of territory, — 
peculiarly exposed in their lives and property, to Indian depre- 
dations. The approaching contest required all the patience, 
fortitude and courage which men are ever called to exercise. 
They had to contend against fearful odds. Nearly all the New 
England tribes, embracing many thousand warriors, had com- 
bined for their destruction, guided by the matchless genius of 
a Chief versed in all the arts of savage warfare. It was a war 



47 

of extermination— a contest for victory in which there was no 
quarter — no mercy. 

In April 1676, the Indians, having suffered several severe 
defeats in a hody, adopted a new mode of warfare, and dis- 
persed themselves in small parties over the country, burning, 
killing and destroying wherever opportunity offered. Among 
other outrages, they attacked Woodcock's Garrison, 'killed 
one man and one of Woodcock's sons, and wounded another, 
and burnt the son's house.' Some circumstances connected 
with this event appear to have been accurately preserved by 
tradition, from which and other sources are gathered the fol- 
lowing particulars. 

His sons were at work in a corn field near the house. The 
Indians, concealed in a wood * adjoining the field, approach- 
ed to its borders and fired upon them. The workmen fled to 
the Garrison, leaving the dead body on the field. The In- 
dians, to gratify their spite against the family, cut off" the son's 
head, stuck it on a long pole, which they set up on a hill at 
some distance in front of the house and in full view of the fam- 
ily, to aggravate their feelings as much as possible. From this 
time Woodcock swore never to make peace with the Indians. 
He ever after hunted them like wild beasts. He was a man of 
resolute and determined character ; — and tradition says, that 
not a few fell victims to his vengeance and a sacrifice to the 
manes of his murdered son. 

This attack was in May. The body of his son (whose name 
was Nathaniel) was buried on the spot where he fell, nearly 
in the centre of the yard which has ever since been reserved 
for a burying ground. 

Pierce's Fight. — This town was the scene of one of the 
most severe, bloody and fatal battles fought during the war. — 
It took place on Sunday March 26ch 1676, in that part which 
is now Cumberland R. I. near the Blackstone River. The 
spot is still pointed out. 

The Government of Plymouth, fearing that their settlements 
would be again attacked, after .so many outrages had been 



* ^ow the meadow on the east of the turnpike below the bridge. 



48 

committed in Massachusetts, ordered out a company for their 
defence, consisting of 63 Englishmen and 20 Cape Indians,* 
under the command of Capt. Michael Pierce of Scituate. — 
He immediately marched in pursuit of the enemy who were 
supposed to be in the vicinity. He rendezvoused at the Gar- 
rison in Rehoboih on Saturday night. The next day, ' having 
intelligence in his Garrison at Scaconicke that a party of the 
enemy lay near Mr. Blackstone's, he went forth with 63 Eng- 
lish and 20 Cape Indians ;' and soon discovered 4 or 5 Indi- 
ans in a piece of woods who pretended to be lame and wound- 
ed, but proved to be decoys to lead the whites into ambuscade, 
for they soon discovered 500 more of the enemy. Pierce, 
though aware of their superiority of numbeis, courageously 
pursued -them, when they began to retreat slowly ; but there 
soon appeared another company of 400 Indians, who were 
now able completely to surround him. A party of the enemy 
were stationed on the opposite side of the River to prevent the 
English crossing; they were thus attacked in front and rear 
by an overwhelming force. Thus all chance of retreat and 
all hope of escape was cut off. This was a most trying mo- 
ment. But there was no flinching — no quailing. Each one 
knew that in all human probability he must die on that field, 
and that too under the most ap])alling circumstances — by the 
hand of a merciless enemy who sought their extermination. — 
But bravely and nobly did they submit to their fate. Each 
one resolved to do his duty and sell his life at the dearest rate. 
At such a time the awful war-whoop of the Indian would have 
sent a thrill of terror to the hearts of any but brave men. At 



* This account dififers in some respects from that given by Church who 
states that there were only 50 Whites and 20 Cape Indians. I have relied, 
for the most of the particulars in this description, on a ' Continued Account 
of the Bloody Indian War from March till August 1676,' now in the bands 
of Mr. S.G. Drake, Boston. It vvaspublished in London the same year; 
and contains a minute and apparently accurate detail of this battle and 
many of the other important events of the war. The work consists of a 
series of letters written by a gentleman in Boston to his friend in London, 
and published from time to time as they were received. One volume, (the 
above mentioned) containing S or 4 letters, has been lately discovered ; — 
and was never reprinted in this country. 



49 

this critical juncture Capt. Pierce made an exceedingly judi- 
cious movement. He formed his men into a circle, back to 
back, with four spaces between each man — thus enlarging the 
circle to its greatest extent — presenting a front to the enemy 
in every direction, and necessarily scattering their fire over a 
greater surface ; whilst the Indians stood in a deep circle, one 
behind another, forming a compact mass, and presenting a front 
where every shot must take effect.* He thus made a brave 
resistance for two hours, (all the while keeping the enemy at a 
distance and his own men in perfect order) and kept up a con- 
stant and destructive fire upon the Indians. But no courage or 
skill could prevail in such an unequal contest, or longer resist 
such a force. t At last overpowered by numbers, Capt. Pierce 
and 55 English and 10 Cape Indians were slain on the spot, 
' which in such a cause and upon such disadvantage may cer- 
tainly be styled the Bed of Honor.' But this victory was gain- 
ed at a great sacrifice. The Indians lost as many (not count- 
ing women and children) as in the great swamp fight at Nar- 
ragansett, which were computed at over 300 ! 

This was the sorest defeat which the Colony of Plymouth 
suffered during the war, and caused great distress every where, 
for the numbers lost amounted to about one third of their reg- 
ular force. According to Church, not a single white man re- 
turned from this bloody and fatal battle-field. 

As soon as the Rehoboth people received information of the 
dangerous situation of Capt. Pierce and his men, they des- 
patched a company to his assistance, who arrived in season only 
to perform the last offices to the dead bodies of their countrymen. 

The courage and resolution displayed on this occasion de- 
serve commendation. These brave soldiers were entitled to 
the gratitude of the Colony, for whose defence they had thus 
sacrificed their lives. They were taken by surprise, and com- 
pletely surrounded by a force ten times their superior. Pierce 

* In the words of the account just refered to : ' Capt. Pierce cast his men 
into a Ring, and fought back to back, and were double-double distance all in 
one ring, whilst the Indians were as thick as they could stand thirty deep.' 

t Canonchet, a Narraganselt Chief, comiiianded in this battle. He was 
soon after taken prisoner and executed. 



60 

was a bold and adventurous man — fear formed no part of his 
character. His men partook of his courage. They pushed 
forward — perhaps imprudently — and thus fell into the snare 
which their enemy had prepared for them. Considering the 
numbers engaged, it was doubtless the most warmly and close- 
ly contested of all the engagements which took place, during 
that eventful period, between the white and the red men. Near- 
ly 400 were killed on both sides. History has recorded, with 
applause, every feat of bravery, when performed on a more 
conspicuous station, whilst it has often overlooked the humble 
though equally meritorious exploit. It requires more true 
courage to die on such a field, with such a foe, than on the 
plains of Warterloo, amid the ' pomp and circumstance of 
glorious war.' 

The following adventure in which ' Old Woodcock ' was 
engaged, is abridged from a communication in the Mass. His. 
Coll. furnished by the research of the late Dr. Mann, formerly 
of Wrentham. It rests upon the authority of tradition, but ap- 
pears to be well authenticated. 

A man by the name of Rocket, in searching for a stray 
horse, discovered a train of 42 Indians, about sunset ; from 
their appearance he suspected they intended to attack the set- 
tlement at Wrentham, the next morning, after the men had 
dispersed to their work ; he therefore followed them, secretly, 
till they halted for the night, when he hastily returned to the 
settlement and gave notice to the inhabitants. A consultation 
was held, at which it was agreed to attack the Indians early 
the next morning. A company of 13 under the command of 
Capt. Ware, was hastily collected from Wrentham and the vi- 
cinity ; who, having secured the women and children and the 
infirm in the Garrison, set out for the Indian encampment, 
where they arrived just before day light ; and were posted 
within a short distance, with orders to reserve their fire till the 
enemy began to decamp. 

Between day light and sun-rise the Indians suddenly rose 
from their resting places, when, upon a signal given, a gener- 
al discharge was made, which threw them into the utmost con- 
sternation. Some, in their confusion, while attempting to es- 



51 

cape, leaped down a precipi»fe of rocks from 10 to 20 feet in 
height ; some of the fugitives were overtaken and slain. Two 
of them, who were closely pursued, attempted to conceal them- 
selves in Mill Brook, where they were found and killed. It is 
related that one Woodcock discharged his long musket called, 
in those days, a buccaneer, at a fugitive Indian, at the distance 
of 80 rods, and broke his thigh bone, and then killed him. 

The number of Indians killed was from 20 to 24 ; and not one 
of the whites. The place, where this bold adventure occur- 
red, is in that part of the ancient Wrentham which is now 
Franklin. The large rock where the Indians were encamped, 
is to this day, called Indian Rock. The time is not certainly 
ascertained ; but it was, without much doubt, in the Spring or 
Summer of 1676, when the Indian forces were dispersed in 
parties throughout the country. 

Nine Men's Misery. This is the name of a spot in Cum- 
berland, R. I. where nine men were slain in Phillip's war. 
This place is near the house of the late Elisha Waterman, Es(|. 
just north of ' Camp Swamp' (so called.) The only circum- 
stances of this event wliich I have gathered are these : A com- 
pany of nine men were in advance of, or had strayed from 
their party for some purpose, when they discovered a number 
of Indians near this spot, whom they immediately pursued and 
attacked, but a large number of the enemy rushed out of the 
swamp and surrounded them. The whites, placing their backs 
to a large rock near by, fought with desperation till ever^ one 
of them was killed on the spot. The rest of their party, wlio 
were within hearing of their guns, hastened to their succor, 
but arrived too late to render them any assistance. Their 
bodies were buried on the spot, which is now designated by a 
large pile of stones. 

I have seen no notice of this occurrence in history ; but as to 
the main fact there can be no doubt. The bones of these men 
were disinterred not many years ago, by some physicians (for 
anatomical purposes) and were found nearly perfect. But the 
people in the vicinity insisted upon their being restored, which 
was accordingly done. One of the slain was ascertained to 



52 

be a Bucklin of Rehoboth, from the remarkable circumstance 
of a set of double front teeth which he was known to possess. 

The time when this happened none of my informants can 
tell ; but there is some reason for believing that it was at or 
about the time of Pierce's fight.* 

THE MINISTRY. 

The town was not able to support a preacher for several 
years after the incorporation. 

The first settled minister in this town was the Rev. Matthew 
Short. He was chosen Oct. 1st 1711, and ordained Nov. 12th 
1712. Difficulties soon arose between him and his people, 
which (after many ineffectual attempts to reconcile them) fi- 
nally resulted in his dismission May 31st, 1715. He continu- 
ed in this town only about four years, having preached one 
year before his ordination. Of the previous or subsequent 
history of Mr. Short but little is known. He removed to Eas- 
ton and became the first settled minister of that town. 

According to the articles of agreement made with Mr. Short, 
Dec. 20th, 1711, he was to have =£50 a year for the first six 
years ; one third to be in money, and ' the other two thirds in 
grain, beef, pork, butter or cheese, any or either of them at 
current price. 't At the 7th year his salary was to be raised 
to <£60, payable as above, and there to continue until there 
should be 100 families in town capable of paying public taxes 
in the judgment of the selectmen for the time being, and then 
it was to be ^70 per annum. He was also to have the use of 
the Ministerial house and lands so long as he should continue 
in his pastoral office. 

Mr. Short was married to Miss Margaret Freeman of Attle- 
borough, by Justice Leonard, Dec. 27th, 1711. He had two 
daughters while in this town, Anna and Judith. 



» Several of the Rehoboth people were slain the 26th March, 1676, the 
time of Pierce's fight ; viz. John Fitch, Jr. John Read, Jr. Benjamin Buck- 
land, John Miller, Jr. Robert Beers (an Irishman and then an inhabitant of 
Rehoboth) was slain the 28th March ; Nehemiah Sabin, in June following. 

t These articles were then valued as follows: Indian corn, 2 shil. 6d. per 
bushel ; rye, 3 shil. 6d. per bushel ; pork, 3d. per lb ; beef, 2d. per lb : but- 
ter, 6d. per lb; and good new milk eheese 4d. per lb. 



5S 

The first meetinghouse was built in 1710. It was not, how- 
ever, entirely completed until 1714. It was 30 feet square ; 
and stood on the spot where the Hall of the Agricultural Soci- 
ety now stands.* 

A few extracts from the records detailing more particularly 
the early proceedings relative to the settlement of the first 
minister will be acceptable to the present generation. 

March 25th, 1707. 'The meeting then held was for the 
choosing of a learned orthodox minister of good conversation 
to dispense the word of God to us in Attleborough ; voted to 
give Mr. Fiske a call to preach for us. Likewise a committee 
of nine was chosen to procure a minister to settle. It was 
likewise voted to empower the said committee to treat with 
the said Mr. Fiske as to his dispensing the word of God 
amongst us, and to settle him, if he may be obtained ; and if 
he may not, then any other minister that the town shall call, 
being approved by the neighboring ministers. 

May 20th, 1707. Voted to give Mr. More a call to preach 
amongst us and to settle if he may be obtained. 

June, 1707. Voted that Hezekiah Peck and Jonathan Ful- 
ler be a committee to see and get a petition written to the 
General Court for some help towards the maintenance of a 
minister.! 

The sum of c£80 had been granted by the town, Nov. 22d, 
1705, towards building a minister's house, £S5 of which had 
been collected; and on the 2d July 1707, the town voted that 
the remaining <£45 should be levied and collected. 

June 15th, 1708. The meeting then held was for the choos- 
ing of an able and orthodox minister to serve us in the work 



* Ala town meeting Feb. 9th, 1709 — 10, Voted to builJ a meeting house 
30 feet square and 16 feet between joints, and to set it upon a piece of land 
on the east tide of the country road near to the house of Christopher Hall, 
and to get the timber for said house and to frame and raise it by the 1st of 
June next. This lot of land was given to the town for this purpose by 
Lieut. Moses Read. 

tin ITIO the Mile and Half was re-annexed to this town, which lestored 
fourteen families, and enabled the people to support a preacher without oth- 
er assistance. 

■8 



54 

of the ministi7 in tliis place ; it wag voted that the committee 
should treat with Mr. Wiswell to dispense the word of God to 
us if he may be obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Fisher, if he 
may be obtained^, if not, then with Mr. Hnnt, if he maybe 
obtained ; if not, then with Mr. Devotion, and if neither of 
them may be obtained, then they may treat with any other 
that shall be allowed of by the neighboring ministers, until 
they have settled one in Atlleborough.* 

July 28th, 1710. Chose Mr. Ebeiiezer White for our minis- 
ter, if he will stay with us, if not, then Mr. Myles. Mr. White, 
it appears, did not at this time accept the invitation to settle. 
He however preached for them nearly a year. 

Oct. 9th, 1710. Chose a committee to see to the finishing 
of the meeting house, and the 1st January next ensuing was 
the time fixed for finishing it. Voted to raise a tax of o^GO as 
a fund for said work, £5 to be in money, and the rest in corn, 
rye, beef and pork, or in materials for the building. 

Nov. 20th, 1710. Voted that the house which is built on the 
ministerial lot should be given to the first minister that shall 
serve the town seven years in the office of a minister, and so 
living and dying amongst us, then to be his and his heirs for- 
ever, t 

Oct. 1st, 1711. At a meeting for the choice of an able or- 
thodox minister to dispense the word of God to us in Attlebo- 
rough, the town chose Mr. Matthew Short for their minister.^ 

Nov. 5, 1711. Granted a tax of £25 towards paying Mr. 
Short ; <£10 in money and the other .£15 in grain, pork, beef, 
butter, cheese, at current price. 



* The inhabitants were so few (consisting of about 16 families exclusive 
of the 14 who had been annexed to Rehoboth) that they were not able to 
afford a competent salary, which was probably the cause of their embarrass- 
ment in the settlement of a minister. 

t The next settled minister acquired the property of this house (and also 
the ministerial farm as will subsequently appear) by having fulfilled the 
condition of the grant. 

I March 18, 1711— 12. ' Voted to build a pew for the minister in the 
meeting house, and also agreed that Mrs. Short shall have the benefit and 
privilege of sitting in the same during her abode in Attleborougb. 



55 

The second minister in town was Rev. Ebenczer Wliite.* 
He was chosen by the people July iSth, 1715 ; ordained Oct. 
17th, 171G. He was minister of the town 11 years; and re- 
mained here till his death, Sept. 4th, 1726. So far as appears, 
he gave general satisfaction. He married Abigail Paine, and 
had several children, Hannah, Martha, Edward, Experience, 
and Thankful ; and two others who died infants. 

Besides his regular salary Mr. White acquired a title to the 
Ministerial farm and house (so called) by having fulfilled the 
condition of the grant. 

At a meeting of the Proprietors of the N. Purchase, Sept, 
16, 1707, it was unanimously voted, ' that the surveyor with 
the major part of the committee should forthwith lay out a hun- 
dred acres of land within said Purchase, which shall be the 
first settled minister's in Attleborough, that continueth to be 
their minister for the space of seven years ; said land to be 
said minister's, and his lieirs' and assigns' forever.' N. P. 
Rcc. 2 Book, p. 3. Laid out and Recorded 1 B.p. 197, 199. 

Several other grants and gifts have been made to the town 
for the use of the ministry. 

The Ministerial Lot (which has been a subject of go much 
controversy in modern days) was granted at an adjourned 
meeting of the Pro])rietors held at Rehoboth June 29, 1685, 
in the words following: ' It was likewise voted and agreed up- 
on {ncmine contradiccnte,) that a hundred acres of land be 
forthwith laid out at the Seven Mile River, where Rice Leon- 
ard's lot was, and as near adjacent as maybe; which said 
hundred acres of land perpetually to be reserved for the Min- 
istry.' Rchohoth Town Rec.'ZB. p. 48. Bounds recorded N. 
P. Reel B.p. 197. 

The lot where the first meeting house stood was given by 
Lieut. Moses Read. 

' Oct. 16, 1712. Laid out to Lieut. Moses Read two acres of 
land by the meeting house ; bounded S. the stated road ; E. the 
foot of the hill ; N. the land of the heirs of Christopher Hall ; 
W. the country road. The above said land the said Lieut. 

* Son of Jam -s While of Dorchester, Ms. baptized July 12, 1685 gradu»- 
ted, Har. Co!. ITOS. 



56 

Read gave to the town of Attleborougli for public use forever, 
and ordered it so to be put on record, as is attest by me 

DANIEL SMITH, Clerk.' 
R. N. P. Rec. 1 B. p. 302. 

Allowance for a highway through said lot, 2 B. p. 129. 

Nov. 1st, 1734. Noah Carpenter, Sen. and Caleb Hall of 
Attleborough, ' in consideration of love, good will and affec- 
tion which we have and dp bear towards the church and con- 
gregation of the said Attleborough, called by the name of the 
Presbyterian,' have given, granted, conveyed, &:.c. unto them, 
their heirs and assigns forever, that is to be understood for the 
especial use, benefit and privilege of that society forever, a 
certain tract of land containing about 45 rods, where the new 
meeting house now stands, bounded by the said Carpenter's 
and the said Hall's lands and by the country road, &-c. &.C.— 
R. N. P. Rec. 2 B. p. 126. 

Rev. Habijah Weld, the third minister of Attleborough, was 
distinguished for his usefulness in the ministry, and highly re- 
spected as a man both at home and abroad. He united, to an 
uncommon degree, the affections of his people, for the long pe- 
riod of nearly 55 years during which he was their pastor. He 
was a man of talents and respectable acquirements ; and was 
extensively known. His character deserves a more particular 
notice. 

He was born in Dunstable, Mass. Sept. 2d. 1702 ; graduated 
at Cambridge University in 1723 ; and was ordained pastor of 
the first Church and Congregation in this town, Oct. 1st. 1727. 
He died May 14th, 1782, in the 80th year of his age, and the 
5.5th of his ministry. The following notice of his character is 
extracted from a communication in Dr. Dwights' Travels, from 
the Hon. David Daggett, now Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court of Connecticut. 

' Mr. Weld was below the middle stature ; and in the latter 
part of his life, corpulent. His constitution was vigorous; and 
his mind almost singularly energetic. The stipend, which he 
received from his parishioners, consisted of an annual salary 
of two hundred and ^twenty dollars ; and the use of a parson- 
cTgc lot, which furnished him with wood, and a little pasture. — 



57 

With his patrimony he purchased a farm of about 70 acres, of 
moderately good land and a decent house. lie had fifteen 
children ; ten of whom were married during his life, and one 
after his death. The remaining four died while young. This 
numerous family he educated with the means which have been 
mentioned, in a manner, superior to what is usually found in 
similar circumstances ; entertained much company in a style of 
genuine hospitality ; and was always prepared to contribute to 
the necessities of others. 

For the regulation of his domestic concerns, Mr. Weld pre- 
scribed to himself and his family a fixed system of rules, which 
were invariably observed, and contributed not a little to the 
pleasantness and prosperity of his life. His children, labor- 
ers, and servants submitted to them with cheerfulness ; and his 
house became the seat of absolute industry, peace and good or- 
der. Breakfast was on the table precisely at six o'clock ; din- 
ner, at twelve ; and supper, at six in the evening. After sup- 
per he neither made visits himself, nor permitted any of his 
family to make them.' 

His observation of the Sabbath was peculiarly exemplary. 
He permitted no act to be done in his house on that day, ex- 
cept such as were acts of necessity and mercy in the stiict 
sense. 

'Mr. Weld was naturally of a very ardent disposition. Yet 
.so entirely had he acquired an ascendency over his temper, 
that a censurable, or imprudent act is not knovvn to have been 
done by him, nor an improper word uttered. To vice and li- 
centiousness, in every form, he gave no indulgence, either in 
his conversation, or his public instructions. On the contrary, 
idleness, intemperance, profaneness, and all kinds of immoral 

conduct, were reproved by him with undeviating severity. 

His example in the practice of every virtue was such, as to cre- 
ate in all classes of men entire veneration for his character. 

It is doubted'whether any person ever uttered a reproach a"-ainst 
Mr. Weld. 

Nor was his piety less remarkable. Since the days of the 
Apostles, it is questioned whether his zeal, fidelity, and intre- 
pidity in the cause of his divine Master' have been excelled 



58 

l)uring the long period of 55 years, he was never once detain- 
ed from the pulpit by disease, nor from any other of his pasto- 
ral duties. His prayers were wholly formed by himself; and 
adapted with strict propriety to the various occasions on which 
they were made. They were pertinent, solemn, and impres- 
sive. His sermons were written, and were usually delivered 
without variation from his notes. Yet at times he addressed 
his congregation extemporaneously in a manner eminently for- 
cible and aftecting. * * * 

In his parochial visits he was accustomed to address the 
truths and duties of the gospel to the hearts and consciences of 
the family ; and never lost sight of the eternal interests of his 
congregation. And, while he administered the balm of life to 
the wounded spirit, he addressed the most solemn alarms, as 
well as the most pungent reproofs to stubborness and impiety. 

Mr. Weld continued his labors to the sabbath before his 
death, without any visible decline in his powers either of body 
or mind. On that Sabbath he preached two sermons from 
these words : "He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be sav- 
ed ; and he that believeth not shall be damned." On the Tues- 
day following he rode in his chaise to Providence, ten miles ; 
returned about four o'clock in the afternoon ; walked into the 
house ; told his wife, that he was unwell ; requested her to op- 
en a window, as he found a difficulty in breathing ; sat down ; 
and instantly expired, of an Apoplexy. So well were his secu- 
lar concerns arranged for his departure, that the settlement of 
his estate cost less than five dollars. His excellent wife sur- 
vived him many years ; and died after she had passed the age 
of ninety, universally lamented. 

At the death of Mr. Weld, only one of his congregation was 
living, of those who assisted in his settlement. His parishion- 
ers showed their sense of the loss, which they sustained in his 
death, by an universal mourning. 

The house of this gentleman was the resort of many distin- 
guished persons from Boston, Providence, and various other 
parts of New England ; and in no house were they received and 
treated with more hospitality. His manners were at once dig- 
nified and polite ; and every member of his family was courte- 



59 

ous and well bred. Nothing was seen among them but harmo- 
ny and goodwill. 

That with such an income Mr. Weld could support so large 
a family, and live in so hospitable a manner, will certainly ex- 
cite not a little wonder. The explanation is found in his in- 
dustry, regularity, and exactness, in all his concerns. Every 
thing was managed in such a manner, that almost in the liter- 
al sense nothing was lost. 

' In my opinion,' adds Mr. D. ' Mr. Weld was a more strict 
observer of the divine law, and more eminently holy, than any 
man whom I ever knew.' 

Permit me to subjoin, says Dr. Dwight, that if all clergymen 
sustained the same character, and lived in the same manner, 
the world would speedily assume a new aspect, and its inhabit- 
ants, a new character." 

Mr. Weld married Mary Fox, by whom he had 15 children, 
4 sons, and 11 daughters who were married as follows : Jon- 
athan Philbrook of Boston to Dorothy Weld Aug. 7th, 1759 ; 
Rev. Oliver Noble of Newburyport to Lucy Weld, May 15th, 
1760 ; Doct. Cardee Parker of Coventry, Ct. to Mary Weld, 
April 15th, 1762 ; Caleb Fuller of Windsor, county of Ware, 
Me. to Hannah Weld, Oct. 23, 1762 ; Rev. Ezra Weld to An- 
na Weld, Feb. 9, 1764 ; Rev. Oakes Shaw of Barnstable to 
Elizabeth Weld, July 19, 1764; Rev. Timothy Alden of Yar- 
mouth to Sarah Weld, Nov. 22d, 1770 ; Eliphaz Day of Attle- 
boro' to Eunice Weld. 

In 1728 a new meeting house was built by the town. 

May 13, 1728. The town voted to enlarge the meeting 
house by making an addition of 20 feet to the north end. But 
in September following, a number of individuals engaged by 
subscription to advance the sum of <£234 10s. (in addition to 
their proportion of the taxes) towards defraying the expenses 
of a new meeting house, if the town would agree to build 
anew, instead of enlarging the old. The town accordingly 
voted, Nov. 18, 1728, to build a new house, and ordered it to 
be 50 feet In length, 40 feet in breadth, and ot a suitable 
heighth for one tier of galleries; and that it 'shall stand on a 



60 

little hill on the north side of the Pound, about 15 or 16 rods 
from the old meeting house.'* 

The town constituted one Parish until April 7th, 1743, when 
it was divided into ' two distinct and separate ' Parishes or Pre- 
cincts by an act of the Legislature. The West constituted the 
first, and the East, the second Precinct. 

Extracts from the Records of the first Parish. 

Sept. 18th 1744. The sum of <£12, 14s. was granted to the 
second precinct. This was probably a part of their share in 
the meeting house. 

March 27, 1777.t The salaiy of their minister, Mr. Weld, 
was £QQ, 13s. 4(Z. 

Sept. 21st, 1779. Voted to raise Rev. Mr. Weld's salary to 
$600. Paper currency was much depreciated. Sept. 29th, 
1779, Voted to double his salary for the year. 

March 28, 1780. A meeting was called 'to see if the Pre- 
cinct will apply to some one to assist Mr. Weld, in the work 
of the ministry, under his present indisposition of body,' S^c. 
Voted that the two Deacons see that the pulpit is supplied in 
case Mr- Weld is unable to preach. 

June 3d, 1782. A meeting was held ' to see if the Precinct 
will agree to pay the funeral charges of the Rev. Mr. Weld, 
late of Attleborough, deceased.' 2d. ' To see if the Precinct 
will choose a committee to seek a supply occasioned by the 
death of our late Pastor.' 

From this time till the settlement of Mr. Wilder, in 1790, 
nearly 8 years, the parish was destitute of a settled minister. 
The people were very much divided on this subject. Many un- 



* It was voted that those parts of the town which may be hereafter set 
off as a precinct or town shall have the money repaid to them, which they 
now pay towards the new meeting house. 

t The last meeting, under the Provincial Government (March 1776) was 
warned, as usual, 'in the name of his Majesty the King of England,' &c. but 
the next one, 17th Sept. following, soon after the declaration of Indepen- 
dcHce, was warned 'in the name of these States and in behalf of the good 
people of this Province,' &c. 



61 

successful attempts were made to settle a minister ; numerous 
candidates were called ; but the people could make no choice. 
They had been long united and harmonious under the ministry 
of Mr. Weld ; some diversity of opinion and alienation of feel- 
ing were to be expected after so long a calm. 

Aug. 27, '82. Voted to hire Rev. Mr. Morey six weeks 
longer. Oct. 30, '82. A meeting was called ' to see if the 
Precinct will give Mr. Morey a call to settle in the ministry.' 
1st. ' Voted to give him a call. 2d. Voted to re-consider it.' 

Feb. 26, '83. Voted to treat with a committee in second 
Precinct relative to Ministerial Lands. There was a dispute 
between the two parishes for a long time in regard to their rel- 
ative rights to these lands, which was finally terminated, I be- 
lieve, by payment of a certain sum to the 2d parish. 

At the same meeting, voted to hire Rev. Mr. Bradford 3 
months. Voted to buy 100 sermons delivered by Rev. Mr. 
Thacher,* on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld. Voted to apply to 
Rev. Mr. Spalding of Killingly, Ct. to come and preach a few 
weeks.' 

Aug. 18, '83. Voted 'to send to the President t of Yale Col- 
lege to send us a candidate.' He accordingly sent them a 
young man, who it appears, was not acceptable. 

Oct. 29, '83. Voted to choose a committee to consult law- 
yer Bradford^ concerning the Ministerial Lands. 

Dec. 15, '83. Rev. Mr. Britt was preaching as a candidate. 
Subsequently Rev. Mr. Avery, — then a Mr. March — Mr. Hart 
of Preston, Ct. — Mr. Damon, — Mr. Plum. 'Voted to send for 
Mr. Huntington to preach for us.' Before the arrival of Mr. 
Wilder, many other names of candidates appear. So irrecon- 
cilable were the feelings, or opinions, or both, of the parish, 
that it seemed next to impossible to make a selection. So great 
was the distress of the people, amidst their divisions, that they 



* The first settle<l minister of the second precinct. It was delivered be- 
fore Mr. Weld's parishioners the Sabbath after his death. 

I Rev. Napthali Daggett, who was a native of this town, which is the 
reason of their application to him. 

|This Bradford was afterwards Li(!nt. Governor of R. Island— a maa 
very popular at that time, in his profession. 
9 



62 

at last appointed a ' Fast on account of their present difficul- 
ties.' In tiiis they hit upon the right expedient, for it seemed 
to have a very happy eflect, as they soon after ' agreed on a 
candidate, the Rev. John Wilder, who, at a meeting, Jan. 4, 
1790, gave an answer accepting the proposals of the parish — 
which terminated their long and troublesome contest. He was 
ordained, Jan. 27th, 1790. 

Rev. John Wilder was dismissed Nov. 28th, 1822. He had 
been the settled minister of that parish upwards of 32 years. 

To him succeeded Rev. Thomas Williams, fomerly of Con- 
necticut, who was installed Sept. 29th, 1824. His connection 
with the parish was dissolved Dec. llth, 1827. 

The next settled minister was Rev. Charles J. Warren, who 
was ordained Feb. 28th, 1828, and dismissed July 8th, 1830. 

There is at present no seitled minister connected with that 
church. 

The new meeting House, being the third \n that society, was 
built in the summer of 1828, and dedicated Jan. 1st, 1829. 

EAST PARISH. 

This parish was divided from the other April 7tli, 1743, 
about 90 years ago. 

The first meeting of the Parish was the 6th of June sueceed- 
ing. On the 20th of the same month, a meeting was called 
' to consider and see what the Parish will do in order to plac- 
ing a meeting house for the public worsliip of God.' This is 
the first record of au attempt to build a meeting house in this 
part of the town. At the same time a committee was chosen 
* to agree with Mr. Willis, or some other man for the present.' 
It was also ' voted to choose a committee of two who should 
apply, in the first place, to Rev. Mr. Willis, and if he cannot 
be obtained, then to Mr. Read, and if he cannot be obtained, 
then to Mr. Peter Thacher.' 

At said naeeting it was voted to set their Meeting House on 
the Plain ' where the roads meet or cross each other.' 

It appears by the records of the next meeting that they had 
hired Mr. Thacher for a time. lie was the first minister who 



65 

preached here. He commenced August 20th, 1743, but was 
not ordained and settled till Nov. 3fith, 1748, about 5 years. 

Sept. 6, 1743. 'Voted to proceed forthwith to build a meet- 
ing House for the public worship of God.' The house was to 
be 3-5 feet square and high enougii for one tier of galleries. A 
committee was chosen 'to carry on the building of said house.' 
At a subsequent meeting Oct. 18, 1748, 'voted to re-consider 
the vote relating to the dimensions of the meeting house, and 
to build one 45 feet long, and 35 feet wide, and high enough 
for one tier of galleries.' This was the size of the house as it 
was afterwards built. The M. House was commenced in the 
Autumn of this year, but the interior was not finished till sev- 
eral years subsequently. 

On the 1st Nov. following, the Parish made choice of Rev. 
Peter Thacher for their minister, 'by a free vote ;' and agreed 
to give him, for a salary =£40, yearly, for 4 years, and at the 
end of 4 years, to give him c£'50 per annum, 'current money ;' 
and also for a settlement o€300, ' old tenor,' to be paid in 4 years, 
i. e. one quarter part each year. 

The present Burying Ground in Eiist Attleborough was laid 
out Oct. 16, 1744, as appears by a vote of that date. 'Voted to 
have a Burying Place in the Meeting House lot, and that it 
should be at the Northwesterly corner of said lot.' This piece 
of land was purchased previously by the Parish, and consisted 
of two Acres, called the' Meeting House Lot.' 

Dec. 21st, 1747. Voted to give Mr. Thacher £600 old ten- 
or, for his settlement ; and also 25 cords of wood, yearly!! 

Oct. 28ih, 1748. Settled Mr. Thacher's salary at<£400"per 
annum, old tenor, ' reckoning silver money at 55 shills. per 
ounce, and to rise and fall as silver shall rise and fall, so long 
as he shall continue our minister.' At the same lime the Par- 
ish chose a committee to provide for the ordination of Mr. 
Thacher, which took place 30th of the next month. He con- 
tinued the pastor until Oct. 26th, 1784, when he was dismis- 
sed by vote of Parish. He had a few months previous to his 
dismission, suffered an attack of the palsy, (which rendered 
him unable to perform the duties of his station) of wlijch he 
died Sept, iSlli, 17S5, ia the 70th y«ar of hii ag«. H« prtach 



64 

ed in this town about 41 years — was a highly respectable and 
useful man. He was born in Middleboro', and was the son of 
Rev. Peter Thacher of that place.* Nov. 31st, 1749, he married 
Bethiah, the oldest daughter of Obediah Carpenter, of Attlebo- 
rough ; by whom he had 10 children, 7 sons and 3 daughters. 
Several of his descendants are living in this town. 

He published a Discourse on the death of Rev. Mr. Weld, 
which has been reprinted. A small volume of his sermons was 
also republished in 1798, by his son, entitled, ' Select Discours- 
es on Practical Subjects. 

After Mr. Thacher, and before the settlement of another 
minister, there were several preachers here. Rev. Asahel Hun- 
tington, Mr. Laughton, Mr. Farrington, ofWrentham, Mr. 
Mead, 4*c. 

The next settled minister was the Rev. Ebenezer Lazell of 
Bridgewater, (a graduate of Brown University, 1788) who was 
ordained Nov. 21st, 1793, and dismissed Jan. 3d 1797. He 
continued here about 4 years. 

His successor was the Rev. Nathan Holman, who was or- 
dained Oct. 14th, 1800, and was dismissed May 22d, 1821, 
having been settled here about 21 years. He graduated at 
Brown University in 1797. 

The present minister is the Rev. John Ferguson, formerly 
pf Providence, R. I. who was ordained Feb. 27th 1822. 

A Parsonage House was built by the Parish in 1822. 

The second Meeting House in the East Precinct, was built 
in 1825. It was begun in the Spring of that year, and dedica- 
ted in December following. It cost about $6000. 



* Rev. P. Thacher, of Middleborough, was born Oct. 6, 1688, graduated 
at Cambridge University, A. D 1706, ordained at that place, Nov. 2, 1709 
and died April 22d, 1744, aged 56. He was the son of Rev. Peter Thacher, 
minister of Milton, (by his wife Theodora, daughter of Rev. John Oxen- 
bridge) who was the son of Rev. Thomas Thacher, of Boston, and was born 
at Salem, July 18 th, 1651, graduated at Harvard College, 1671, ordained 
June 1st, 1681, and died Dec. 27th 1727, aged 76. 



65 



NORTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This church was constituted in 1769. Its existence howev- 
er, may be traced back as early as 1747. It was at first and for 
many years afterwards of the Congregational order though dif- 
fering from that denomination in some respects. 'There being, 
say the Church records, a considerable number of christians in 
this place that are dissatisfied with the Constitution of the stand- 
ing order of Churches in the land : they with some others 
formed themselves into a society to worship God according to 
His word and spirit.' Jan. 20th, 1747, the Church proceeded 
' to set apart their esteemed Brother Nathaniel Shepard by sol- 
emn ordination as their Pastor,' who was removed by death 
Aprd 14th, 1752. 

It was from the commencement a small and feeble church, 
and continued 'through many trials and discouragements,' till 
the year 1769, when by vote the church changed their consti- 
tution ' from a Congregational to a Baptist Church in what is 
called open communion.' At this time there were 6 male 
and 4 female members who agreed in doctrine, and formed 
fellowship with Bellingham Church. Two years previous, in 
1767, the church moved Mr. Abraham Bloss from Sturbridge 
to Aftleborough, who preached here till his death Sept. 16th, 
1769. 

To him succeeded Elder Job Seamans, of ' Sackville, Cum- 
berland county, and Province of Nova Scotia,' now in the Prov- 
ince of New Brunswick. Mr. Seamans was born in Swansea, 
Mass. in 1748. He removed to Sackville,* New Brunswick, 
with Elder Mason's company who emigrated to that place from 
Swansea, Mass. in 1763. He there became a preacher. He 
was invited to become the pastor of the church in this town, 
and removed here. In 1779 he, m conjunction with Elder Biel 
Ledoyt, of Woodstock, Ct. was erppointed by the Warren Asso- 
ciation, a Missionary to visit various parts of New Hampshire. 
In the course of the same year he returned to Attleborough, 
where he remained, till 1788. In 1787, May 10th, he request- 



* Tbe pl«ce was then called Tantarraraar by the French, and was in the 
Province of Nova Scotia. — See Benedicts History. 



ed a diamission from the church in this place, which was reluct- 
antly granted in June, 1788, when he removed to ]\ew London 
N. H. where he had preached during his mission, and was set- 
tled over the new Baptist Church in that place, which he es- 
tablished at the same time. Here he continued till his death 
in 1830, at the advanced age of 82. 

Mr. Searaans married Sarah Easterbrooks, by whom he had, 
while here, 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters. 

Rev. William Williams,* who was a member of this church, 
and the respected pastor of the Baptist Society in Wrentham, 
occasionally supplied the pulpit during the vacancies which oc- 
curred after the removal of Mr. Seamans. 

Nov. 1789, Elder Abner Lewis came from New Bedford to 
Attleborough, and continued the pastor of the church until 
Sept. 1795, when he returned to New Bedford. After this Mr. 
Laben Thurber preached here till April, 1797, when he relin- 
quished the office of a religious teacher, and removed to the 
East part of the town. 

Elder James Read, who was then resident in Assonet village, 
Freetown, commenced preaching here in April, 1800, and was 
so well approved, that in December of the same year the church 
gave him an invitation to settle, which was accepted. In Feb- 
ury following he removed to Attleborough ; and was installed 
Au"-. 18th, 1801. — Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Gano, Providence : 
charge, by Elder Pitman ; Right hand of fellowship, by Elder 
Baker. At the same time, Edward Clark was ordained as an 



* He was a celebrated instructor of youth. He commenced a school for 
fitting young men for college, near Ills Meeting house in Wrentham, which 
he continued for many years with distinguished success. He educated up. 
wards of 100 students,* the most of whom graduated at Brown Univerbity 
Many of them became distinguished men. — In the number of his pupils were 
Dr. Maxcy, Hon. David K. Williams, formerly Governor of South Caroli- 
na, Hon. Tristam Burges, the present eloquent member of Congress from 
II. Island, &c. 

Mr. Williams himself was educated at Eaton's Academy, N. Jersey, and 
graduated at Brown University, in 1769, which was the first class in tliai 
institution. He married for his second wife, iMiss Titus, the daughter of 
Dea. J. Titus, of Attleboroujih, 

* fieaedict'i Ui«. Bap. 



t7 

Evangelist. Mr. Clark died April 22d, 1811, in the 72d year 
of his age. 

Elder Read continued in the ministry here till his death. — 
He died Oct. 21st, 1814, in the 46th year of his age. He was 
a worthy and useful minister, and universally respected as a 
man. The records of the church bear ample testimony of the 
estimation in which he was held by his people. 'In the prime 
of his life and in the midst of his usefulness, the Lord, who do- 
eth all things according to his good pleasure, hath seen fit to 
remove him from the church militant to the church triumphant. 
Leaving the wife of his youth to mourn the loss of a kind hus- 
band, and three children to mourn the loss of a kind parent, 
and this church and society to mourn the loss of a faithful min- 
ister of the Gospel, and one whose faithful warnings will long 
be had in remembrance by many of them.' His funeral sermon 
was preached by Dr. Gano. 

April 28th, 1815. Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, who was then 
preaching in Bellingham, was invited 'to take the Pastoral 
care of this church.' He was dismissed in May 1820. 

Rev. Silas Hall, of Raynham, came here in 1823, and re- 
mained four years. He was subsequently pastor of the Bap- 
tist church, in Taunton. 

Rev. William Phillips was ordained over this church Feb. 
1827, and continued its pastor two years, when he was invited 
to Providence, R. 1. and was settled over the 2d Baptist church 
in that place. 

Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush, the present minister, was receiv- 
ed into the church and chosen pastor, April 1st, 1832. 

The first Meeting House was not finished till 1784, thouo^h 
it was erected many years previous. The present Meeting 
house was built in the spring of 1817. 

SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This church, which is now extinct, was established as early 
as 1760. Its records cannot be found. April 20th, 1789, the 
first and second Baptist churches in Attleborough met and 
agreed upon fellowship as sister churches. Elder Elihu Dag- 



68 

gett* was the first preacher. It is believed that he was never 
regularly settled here. He occasionally preached at the North 
Baptist church. 

The next preacher was Elder Elisha Carpenter. He was 
settled as early as 1780, if not beforehand remained pastor of 
the Church till about 1798, when he removed to Providence, 
N. Y. where he died. He was a native of this town — a son of 
Elisha Carpenter — and was born Aug. 17tli, 1745. His wife 
was Anna Freeman of Attleborough. 

Soon after Elder Carpenter's removal, the church was dis- 
solved, and the members connected themselves with other 
churches in the vicinity. The meeting house was taken down 
about 1810. It stood on the south side of the road leading 
from the late Thomas Cooper's to Capt. Joseph Tiffany's. 

FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY. 

The first meeting was held Aug. 17th, 1816, when the socie- 
ty was organized. It was incorporated Feb. 20th 1818, by the 
name of the ' First Universalist Society in Altleborough.' 

The first minister was the Rev. Richard Carrique. He 
commenced preaching here in 1816 ; and was ordained Dec. 
29th, 1818. A meeting house was built in the summer of 1818, 
and dedicated Dec. 29th of the same year. It stands on the 
old Post Road, a few rods south of the first Congregational 
meeting house. Mr. Carrique was dismissed in March 1822. 

The next minister was the Rev. Robert Rilham, who com- 
menced preaching March 18th, 1822, and was soon after in- 
stalled. He was dismissed in April 1828. 

To him succeeded the present minister the Rev. Nathaniel 
Wright, who was installed in 1828. 



»He was the son of Dea. IMayhevv Daggett ; his wife was Rebeccah 
Stanley, daughter of Jacob Stanley, one of the fust of that naoie who came 
here from Topsfield. He was interred in the N. Burying Ground, On his 
grave stone is the following inscription : ' Sacred to the iueiuory of Elder 
Elihu Daggett, who died August 29th, 1769, in the 60th year of his age.' — 
' Sacred to ihe memory of Mrs. Rebeccah Daggett, (his widow) who died 
September 20lh, 1799, in the 8:)th year of her age. 

What we left behind, others possess ; 

What we gave to ihe poor, we carried with us,' 



69 



HEBRONVILLE CHURCH. 

This church was gathered by Rev. Thomas Williams imme- 
diately after his dismission from the West Parish, in Decem- 
ber, 1827. A small but neat meeting house was built at the 
same time on the line between Attleborougli and Seekonk, half 
in one town and half in the other — to which (and the neigh- 
borhood) the name of Hebronville was given by the founder. 
Rev. Mr. Williams became its first pastor. His connection 
with this society was dissolved in April 1832. The present 
pastor is Rev. Charles Simmons. 

It appears from our records that the citizens of the town 
took an early and active part in those proceedings which final- 
ly led to independence. The spirit of the Revolution began 
to move the people as early as 1773. They began to discuss 
the origin and foundation of their rights, and to proclaim, in 
bold language, their determination to maintain them. They 
strenuously denied the claims of the mother country. This 
prepared the way for that great contest which was approach- 
ing and which soon after commenced. 

Pages might be filled wiih the spirited addresses and resolu- 
tions adopted in town meeting; but the limits of the work will 
permit only a brief outline of the transactions of that day. 

At a town meeting January 18th, 1773, a resolute and patri- 
otic address was adopted and sent to the Committee in Bos- 
ton. It is too long to.quote entire. A (tiw extracts will atford 
a specimen. 

' We his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects and freehold- 
ers of the town of Attleborough, To the Committee of Corres- 
pondence in Boston.' 

After due professions of ' honor and praise to George the 
3d, King of Great Britain,' &c., and praying that the ' gfolden 
chance of succession by which the Protestant kings are held on 
the throne of Great Britain may never be broken,' &.c. the ad- 
dress proceeds to say, 'Our present trials are very great. A 
wise king once said that oppression maketh a wise man mad. 
Wo hope not to turn maniacs, but to keep the advantage of 
10 



70 



our Spirits. We will })ray that all they that are Gods on earth 
will remember that they must die like men, and the lofty, tow- 
ering heads of Kings and Princes must be brought as low as 
the meanest subject. And here we will mak« a pause and en- 
quire what we have done, what disloyalty there hath been in 
us that hatli incurred the displeasure of our Gracious Majesty, 
that could be the cause of threatening the ruining of us his 
American subjects. And to set things in a clearer light, we 
may be justly entitled to a few notes of exultation. — In the 
year 1745, when the British trumpet sounded war from be- 
yond the seas to the Americans, — no sooner did our American 
Parliament understand the certain sound of the martial trum- 
pet but instantaneously a political convention is called, faith- 
fulness aud loyalty in every countenance. Like Babylon of 
old, one messenger runs to meet anotiier, and one post to 
meet another to tell the whole Province tliat the Kingdom 
was invaded at one end. Forthwith orders are issued out to 
the Colonels, and from the Colonels to the Captains, and at 
the beat of the Drum volunteers paraded the ground like well 
harnessed soldiers with courage bold, and like the war-horse 
mocking at fear, marched with their commanders to the high 
places of Louisbourg — stormed their intrenchments ; made a 
discovery of their subterraneous mines and galleries ; I eat 
down the strong holds; brake the jaws of the Gallic Lion, 
and made a conquest of the city to the crown of Great Brit- 
ain. And in the last war that hath been upon us, we have 
joined our British brethren, warring and fighting through seas 
of blood until we subdued the Canadian Province to the crown 
of our Sovereign Lord George the 3d. And after all this, shall 
we be conjugated, enslaved and ruined 1 Fathers, provoke 
not your children to wrath lest they be discouraged on the one 
hand, and encouraged on the other. We esteem our privileges 
tantamount to our lives, and the loss of them deatii in conse- 
quence ; and since there is no new discovered America for us 
to flee to, we are almost ready to think that we will let go our 
ploughshares and pruning hooks to be malleated on the anvil, 
and not give up our dear-bought privileges to any Power on 
earth. 



71 

And now in a few words to s:iy what our privileges are and 
wherein tliey are violated: We think that our privileges take 
tiieir rise merely from nature. As we euiigrated from our 
niotiier country at our own expense and without any charge to 
the Crown of Great Britain, our sulijection to the Crown of 
Great Britain must he considered as an act of our own elec- 
tion. How far tliat suhjection was made and in what manner 
tlie British government can possihly reach over the Atlantic to 
have any influence at all upon us, is known only by the stipu- 
lation between us and the king ol G. Britain expressed in our 
Charter. Although it be allowed that any Plantation settled by 
the order and expense of any .State remains tsaturally subjected 
to that State, yet lliat not having been the case in our departure 
from G.Britain we utterly disallow any right of government over 
us but what is expressed in the Ciiartcr. IVe have no natural 
and necessary connection with the Crown in point of govern- 
ment but what spriiigs from our own choice, and that choice 
can he known but by the stipulation aforesaid which both ex- 
presseth and limitelh the subjection which was our choice. — 
This, we apprehend, is tiie true and just state of our privileges, 
as they are interested in the present controversy. So that, 
whatever act of government is exercised contrary to, or not 
expressly provided for in the Charter, is an open infringement 
of our privileges. 

The appointment of a Governor altogether independent on 
us, and who, according to the present state of things, can be 
under no influence from our interest but whose personal interest 
may naturally put him to the utter overthrow of our whole in- 
terest, — we apprehend this to be an infraction of our Charter 
rights and privileges. — The appointment of Judges from 
home, if true, or the maintenance of them independent upon 
us and dependent entirely upon the Crown, we think an in- 
fringement upon our Charter rights, and which tends to cor- 
rupt and destroy the very essence of our privileges. — The part- 
ing our money among a set of men of no use to us or the com- 
munity, without our consent, is a bold and unjust infringement 
upon our privileges. — The subjecting civil cases to trial by 
Court of Admiralty instead of Juries, and especially the 



72 

taking from us the right of trying capital cases in any arti- 
cles, and carrying our brethren, on suspicion of guilt, from all 
who are acquainted with their character, or who can possibly 
do them justice, and ordering them to be transported, at al- 
most infinite expense three thousand miles for trial, is a most 
barbarous, unjust, and unconstitutional affair.' 

1774. 

Sept. 12th. The town chose a committee to join with the 
committees of the other towns in this county ' to consult the 
safety and peace and prosperity thereof, as well as the whole 
government and continent, upon any emergency.' The com- 
mittee consisted of five, viz. Mr. Edward Richards, Dea. 
Eben. Lane, Capt. John Daggett, Lieut. Moses Wilmarth, and 
Mr. Elisha May. This was the first committee of safety chos- 
en in this town. The practice of choosing such a committee 
was continued till the close of the Revolution. 

Sept. 29tii. Capt. John Daggett was chosen Representa- 
tive to the General Court at Salem ; and Dea. Eben. Lane, as 
a ' committee man ' to join the Provincial Congress to be hold- 
en at Concord on the second Tuesday of October next. 

Dec.Cth. The town established a 'Superior and an Inferi- 
or Court to hear and determine controversies that have arisen 
or may arise in this town.' Five men were chosen to serve as 
Superior Judges, viz. Dea. Eben. Larce 1st. Justice, Col. 
John Daggett 2d, Capt. John Stearns 3d, Capt. Moses Wil- 
marth 4th and Doct. Bezeliel Mann 5th. Seven were ap- 
pointed Inferior Judges, viz. Mr. Edward Richards, Lieut. 
Elkonah Wilmarth, Capt. Jacob Ide, Capt. Stephen Richard- 
son, Mr. Elisha May, Capt. John Tyler, Mr. W^ti. Stanley. — 
At the same time it was voted, ' that we will comply with, 
stand to, and abide by the Resolves, Instructions and Direc- 
tions of the Continental and Provincial Congresses ;' and that 
• all persons who refuse to comply with them shall be treated 
as Infamous Persons.'' 

It was also voted to choose a ' committee of Inspection to in- 
quire and give notice of all persons who shall presuftie to make 
use of any India Tea after the first of March next.' The ' af- 



73 

fair of the chest of tea at Capt. Richardson's was left discre- 
tionary witli the Selectmen.' 

These were no half-way measures, and were supported 
throughout with the same resolution. 

1775. 

Jany. 2d. Chose Col. John Daggett ' to represent us at the 
Congress to be holden at Cambridge on the 1st of Feby, next, 
and to serve in that capacity until the month of May next or 
until the time fixed for the dissolution of said Congress.' At 
the same time a committee of 13 was chosen to procure ' sub- 
scriptions for the relief of the suffering poor in the town of 
Boston.'* 

May 24th. Capt. John Stearns was chosen to represent the 
town at the Provincial Congress to be held in the meeting- 
house at Watertown the 31st inst. The Committee of Corres- 
pondence, this year, were Dea. Eben. Lane, Doct. Mann, and 
Capt. Moses Wilmarth. 

July 10th. Capt. John Stearns was elected representative 
to the General Court to be held at Watertown 19th inst. 

1776. 

March 19th. The Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion and Safety were Dea. Lane, Edward Richards, Capt. S. 
Richardson, Lieut. Alexander Foster, Ens. Noah Fuller, Wm. 
Stanley, Capt. Wilmarth, Eben. Tiftany, Sam. Atherton, 
Thomas Starkey, Elkonali Wilmarth, Nathaniel Bishop, and 
Capt. Jacob Ide. 

May 22d. Capt. John Stearns, Representative. At his re- 
quest, a committee, consisting of Capt. Elisha May, Capt. 
Stephen Richardson, Rev. Peter Thatcher, Levi Maxy, and 
Lieut. Alexander Foster, was chosen to draw up instructions 
for the Representative, who made a report, from which ex- 
tracts are given. 
Capt. John Stearns, 

Sir, — The town, reposing special confidence in vour 
ability and integrity, have chosen you their representative at 



* This was on the Decision of shutting the Port of Boston by the British 
Parliament. 



74 

the Great and General Court for this year. At your request 
we take the hberty to sun^gest the following things to your at- 
tention as matters of great importance: 

If the Continental Congress should think it best to declare 
for Independency of Great Britain, we unanimously desire you 
for us to engage to defend them therein with our lives and for- 
tunes. * 

The fortifying aud sufficiently providing for the defence of 
all our sea-port towns, especially the Metropolis of this Colo- 
ny, is of such consequence as that parsimony or delay therein 
will be the worst of policy. We apprehend that the raising of 
soldiers for the defence of the Colony is retarded and so ren- 
dered both more chargeable and less useful, for want of suffi- 
cient Bounty to encourage enlistments ; that the raising fewer 
forces at a time than is necessary, which scatters the officers 
with whom whoever enlists will desire to be acquainted, is a 
like hindrance to a speedy raising of forces.' 

After giving some further specific instructions, the report 
concludes : ' Other things in genera] we refer to your wisdom 
and fidelity, unless some special difficulty should occur, in 
which case you will please take our minds as occasion shall 
serve.' 

At the same time it was voted, that the selectmen should or- 
der the money out of the Treasury to pay the Minute Men 
who marched on the alarm occasioned by the battle at Bunker 
Hill. 

July 6th. Voted to raise the Bounty from £3, to £12 for 
the soldiers this town are to furnish to go to N. York. 

1777. 

Jan. 27th. Voted to raise the Bounty for the soldiers who 



* This seems to have been conceived in snmething of that holj- ardor — 
that sublime spirit of patriotism and self-devolion, which (in a few months 
after) dictated those ever memorable words ia the closing sentence of the 
Declaration of Independence ; — ' we jiledge our lives, our fortunes, and our 
sacred honor.' — immortal words, which sent such a thrill to the hearts of our 
countrymen and inspired them with such an unconquerable enthusiasm in 
the CTUse of frecdo:n 1 



75 

weut to N. York in July last, to $40 for each man, ' to such 
as will take it.' 

March 18th. The Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion and Safety, this year, were Ed. Richards, Cyrel Carpen- 
ter, Samuel Tiffany, Jr. Elisha May, and Nathan Tyler. 

April 2d. A meeting was held to see if the town will five 
some encouragement to the soldiery to enlist our proportion of 
tiie 15 Battallions granted by this State to join the Continental 
Army. 

A committee was chosen to report upon the subject, and al- 
so to state what is an average on the whole since the war com- 
menced, who reported, that the bounty and wages given by 
Congress and our Court, afforded a sufficient encouragement 
for the first years' service ; that for the second year the town 
allow £'2 per month in addition to the wages, and the same for 
the last year. £24: in addition to the bounty instead of the ad- 
dition to their wages was offered to those who might prefer it. 

The committee also reported, that the 8 months men, or 
those who went into service in consequence of Lexinoton bat- 
tle, have no allowance ; that the 6 weeks and 2 months men 
have no allowance; that the year's men be allowed o^ 10 per 
man ; that the Dorchester men have no allowance ; that the 
men raised for 2 months in Sept. 17T6, be allowed £7 per man ; 
that the men raised for the Northern or Canada expedition be 
allowed ^10 per man; that the Quarter men, or those raised 
for Howland's Ferry, be allowed £6 per man. 

May 22d. Chose Capt. John Stearns and Mr. William 
Stanley Representatives. Appointed a committee to prepare 
instructions to said Representatives, viz. Rev. Peter Thacher, 
Capt. Elisha May, Col. John Daggett, Capt. Moses Wilmarth» 
Mr. Levi Maxcy. Their report, it appears, is not recorded. 

Excused Capt. May from serving on Committee of Corres- 
pondence, 4*c- — and elected Stephen Fuller in his room. Vo- 
ted to enlarge said committee, and added Zephaniah Bishop, 
Jacob Cushman, and John Sweetland. 

1778. 

Jan. 12th. A committee, consisting of Rev. Mr. Thacher, 
Capt. Elisha May, Col. Stephen Richardson, Dea. Stanley, 



75 

Capt. Caleb Richardson, Lieut. Elkanah Wilmarth, and Mr« 
John Wilkinson, was chosen to prepare instructions to the rep- 
resentatives of the town, relative to the Articles of Confedera- 
tion. They presented a report which was accepted. It shows 
how perfectly convinced at that time our forefathers were of 
the value and importance of a firm union of the States to the 
well-beinij of the whole people. 

To show the sentiments of the people a few extracts are 
given. 

'The subscribers, being chosen a committee ' to consider 
what instructions it may be proper for them to give their rep- 
resentatives relative to the Articles of Confederation and Per- 
petual Union which are proposed to the consideration of the 
Legislatures of all the united States as the basis thereof forev- 
er,' and also 'relative to the resolves of the most Honorable 
Congress, of the 7th and 22d of November last,' having ma- 
turely considered the said Articles and resolves, do humbly of- 
fer the following to the consideration of the town on this very 
important subject : 

To Messrs. John Stearns, and William Stanley, Represen- 
tatives of the town of Attleborough, Gentlemen, We shall re- 
joice at the arrival of the happy hour when the Independent 
States of North America have a Union established upon equit- 
able terms to continue as long as the sun and moon endure. 
We are sensible of the utility and necessity of such a union to 
our present exertions and the success of them, as well as for 
the strength and flourishing condition of these States hereafter. 
We would, therefore, be as distant as possible from offering 
any thing to obstruct the speedy accomplishment of a thing so 
desirable ; yet we are constrained to desire explanation of the 
4th paragraph in the 5th Article which determines, that, in 
deciding questions in the United States in Congress assembled, 
each State shall have one vote, which, if ituxclude a voice in 
Congress proportioned to the number or estate of the different 
States, we apprehend, would be very unequal and not to be by 
any means consented unto, t^'c. &-c. After stating specific 
objections to some other articles, the report concludes : ' With 
the foregoing emendations and explanations, we desire you to 



77 

use your endeavors that the Delegates in Congress be impow- 
ered to ratify the aforesaid Articles of confederation and Per- 
petual union. As to the Resolves of the most Hon'ble Con- 
gress, we only observe upon the 5th and 6th Resolves, that 
the Regulating Bill formerly enacted and since repealed, though 
framed with an honest and good design, yet was, as we appre- 
hend, very injurious to the good and honest people of this 
State, and was of no use to restrain oppressors and monopoli- 
zers, but rather put an advantage of oppression into their hands, 
and was a great means of sinking the value of our money, and, 
therefore, we expect and desire you to oppose the carrying of 
the said resolutions into execution.' 

At the same meeting a committee was appointed to draft a 
Petition, which was sent to the General Court, earnestly pray- 
ing for the repeal of an Act calling in the Bills of Credit or 
State Money. In this petition the people expressed their fears 
of the consequences which would result from that Act to the 
interests of the poor, &c. 'We have waited a longtime,' say 
they, ' in hopes that you would repeal that Act without our 
troubling you with petitions ; but as we have hitherto been dis- 
appointed, we are obliged, injustice to ourselves and to our 
posterity, earnestly to pray for the speedy repeal of that Act.' 
They express their opinion that the money ought to be called 
in by degrees, as it was issued, that is, one emission at a time, 
by taxing the inhabitants of the State until the whole is with- 
drawn. 

March 17th. The Committee of Correspondence, &c. 
were Elkanah Wilmarth, Ebenezer Tifiany, and Ephraim Al- 
len Jr. 

May 12th. Voted to pay .£30 to each soldier who shall en- 
list in the Continental Army to complete the number (13) re- 
quired of this town by a late Resolve of the General Court. 
Also voted to give ,£30 more as a bounty. 

May 21st. The Committee, chosen at a former meeting to 
consider the Constitution* lately submitted to the people, not 

* This was the first frame of Government submitted to the people of this 
State. It was framed by a Couveatioa 1778-9, aud is couiuonly called the 
Rejected Conslilulion. 

11 



T8 

agreeing upon a report, the town appointed another commit- 
tee of seven, viz. Rev. P. Thatcher, Rev. Habijah Weld, Elder 
Job Seamans, Doct. Bezaliel Mann, Col. John Daggett, Col. 
Stephen Richardson, Capt. John Stearns, who, finally, made a 
report. The vote in town stood 61 Affirmative, 7G Negative. 

1779. 

.March 16. The Committee of Safety were Capt. Caleb 
Richardson, John Damon, Elijah Wellman. 

May 18. Elisha May, Esq. was chosen representative. — 
Voted to empower our representative to vote for the calling 
of a Convention for the sole purpose of framing a new Consti- 
tution. 

June 21st. Voted to raise 13 soldiers (to serve 9 months) as 
this town's proportion of the 15 Battallions furnished by this 
State to fill up the Continental Army. On the question of 
having a new Constitution there were 121 votes in favor ; and 
none in the negative recorded. 

Aug. 2d. This town sent three members to the Convention 
which formed the present Constitution of Massachusetts. 

'Chose Col. John Daggett, Capt. John Stearns and Major 
Elisha May to attend the Convention* at Cambridge on the 
first of September next for the sole purpose of framing a new 
Constitution. 

The town then took into consideration the proceedings of 
the Convention held at Concord for regulating articles of mer- 
chandize and country produce, and voted unanimously to ac- 
cept of the doings of said Convention and to conform ourselves 
to the proposed regulations. 

Chose Col. Stephen Richardson, Mr. Levi Maxcy, and Mr. 
Edward Richards members of the Convention to be held at 
Concord on the first Wednesday of October next. 



* This Convention met at the Meeting House in Cambridge Sept. 1779, 
continued till the 7th and then adjourned to Oct. 28th ; then met and con- 
tinued till Nov. lllh and adjourned to Jan'y 5th 1780 at the Representa- 
tive's Chamber, Boston; then met and continued till March 2d and ad- 
journed to June 7th; then met aad continued till June 16ih when it was 
dissolved. 



79 



1780. 

March 21st. The Committee of Safety were David Rich- 
ardson, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, and William Morse. 

May 2d. The new Constitution was referred to a commit- 
tee. 

June 14th. Voted to raise 29 soldiers, for 6 months, as this 
town's quota, to re-inforce the Continental Army, according 
to a Resolve of the General Court of June 5th 1780. They 
were to be paid by a tax on the town. 

Sept. 4th. Voted to raise ^12,000 to defray the expenses 
of the town the current year. Also voted to raise =£1400 hard 
money to pay the soldiers who may engage to serve in the 
Continental Army for three and for six months, according to 
Resolves of the General Court of June 5th, 22d and 23d. — 
Elisha May Esq. was chosen representative the two following 
years — which brings us to the close of the Revolution. There 
were no transactions of particular interest relating to the war 
during these two years. 

Military Services. 

To furnish a full statement of the military services which 
the citizens of this town rendered during the Revolutionary 
war, — to ascertain the number of soldiers who enlisted and the 
time for which they served — is not perhaps possible at this 
day. But some general accounts may be collected which will 
aftbrd a tolerable view of their services. 

it appears from the following anecdotes, that they were not 
slow in acting up to the resolutions which they had adopted. 

In December 1774, the Committee of Safety gave notice 
that one Aldrich — a tory — who lived in Franklin, Mass. was 
selling British goods contrary to the resolutions of the General 
Court. Col. John Daggett of this town, a determined and reso- 
lute patriot, immediately issued orders to the several companies 
of this town to furnish a certain number of men, who being 
collected, marched, in a bitter cold night, for the place of Aid- 
rich's residence, to put a stop to his business. They were 
joined on the way by volunteers from the neighboring towns. 
They arrived late at night, and surrounding his house, ordered 



80 

him out. He (and his associates who had assembled to de- 
fend him) at first attempted to resist with arms, threatening to 
fire upon them from the windows ; and, assuming a tone of 
confidence, ordered them to depart. Upon this the besiegers 
were directed to point their guns towards the house. But find- 
ing that his opponents were in earnest, and that threats could 
not intimidate them, Aldrich at last came out. He was order- 
ed to pull off his hat, while in the presence of the people's sol- 
diers ! Here, before the whole company, he was compelled 
to enter into an engagement not to ♦ vend any more British 
goods during the present unhappy controversy between the 
King and his colonies.' The prisoner was then released. The 
next morning he fled to Boston, and was never after known in 
these parts. 

The captains from this town, who were engaged in this ad- 
venture, were Capt. S. Richardson, of the North East Compa- 
ny, Capt. Moses Wilmarth, S. E. Company, Capt. Jacob Ide, 
S. W. Company, Capt. Jon. Stanley, N. W. Company. 

AssoNETT Expedition. 

Information having been received from the vigilant Com- 
mittees of Safety, that the British had made a deposit of arms 
and ammunition at Assonett village, (Freetown) for the use of 
the loyalists. Col. Daggett of this town on the 9th of April, 
1775, undertook an expedition for the purpose of seizing these 
arms and breaking up the combination which had been formed 
to favor the royal cause. He was accompanied by the sever- 
al companies from this town with their captains (as before 
named, except Elisha May in the room of Jon. Stanley) and 
by some of the militia from Rehoboth and other towns. How 
many others were concerned in the adventure is not known. 

They discovered 40 stands of arms and equipments in 
the possession of the tories, together with a large quan- 
tity of ammunition — the whole of which was taken by the 
patriots. All, who were suspected of favoring the British in- 
terest, were required to swear not to bear arms against their 
country. Nine staunch tories, who refused to take the oath 
of fidelity to the Colonies, were made prisoners, and put under 



81 

the charge of the company from East Attleborough— and 
forthwith marched to Taunton. Here their captors threaten- 
ed to convey them to Sullivan's mines in Connecticut, if they 
would not comply. To avoid this alternative, they at last sub- 
mitted, and took the oath of allegiance to their country. They 
were then dismissed. 

This expedition deserves commemoration from the circum- 
stance of its having been accomplished previous to the com- 
mencement of open hostilities in any other part of the country. 
It preceded, a few days, the first scene in the great drama 
which opened on the plains of Lexington. It was appearing 
in arms (though on a comparatively small scale) against the 
royal government. The patriots expected resistance, and 
were prepared with sufficient force to meet it. 

The company of Minute Men — 60 in number— under the 
command of Capt. Jabez Ellis, Enoch Robinson, Lieutenant, 
on the day of the battle at Lexington received orders to march 
instantly to Roxbury. We sat out at night* — stopped a short 
time at Maxcy's, now Hatch's tavern — then went directly to 
Dedham — where we found two tables by the road side gener- 
ously provided with food for the soldiers who might pass that 
way, — thus arranged to prevent any unnecessary delay — we 
snatched a hasty breakfast and marched on — reached Roxbu- 
ry about day-light — and were then marched round and round 
Roxbury Meeting House, to make as much show of numbers 
as possible in view of the British. Our company remained 
there seven or eight days, and then were permitted to return 
home.t 



* The circumstances are given as related to the author by one of the sur- 
vivors. 

I Of one of these soldiers an anecdote is current among the survivors of 
that day. One Henry Richardson of this town, a bold and honest but heed- 
less fellow, on his way to Roxbury swore be would have one of the Red 
coats before he went back. On his arrival at head-quarters, — the moment 
he had opportunity — he charged his long musket, and not thinking with 
FallstafF, that ' discretion is the better part of valor,' coolly marched down in 
front of our lower guard, and taking deliberate aim at the opposite British 
sentinel, discharged his musket, and badly wounded bira, as his companions 
were seen to lead \^iai off the grouad, and his place was supplied by another. 



82 

The same company went down to Roxbiiry the day of Bun- 
ker Hill battle — stayed about a fortnight. While there a small 
party of us went round to the Cambridge side to look at the 
British, but soon the captain of a Fort called out to us, that 
we had better not go in company, for the enemy would see us 
and fire at us ; and sure enough, in a minute or two, a cannon 
ball came whizzing along close by us — and soon after, they 
sent us a bomb. 

May 1st 1775. A company of 64 men enlisted for 8 months, 
under Capt. Caleb Richardson, in the Massachusetts Line (so 
called) and were stationed at Roxbury. 

July 1776. Another company, principally from this town, 
enlisted 5 months in the recruits called the New Levies, under 
Capt. Caleb Richardson, and Stephen Richardson, Lieutenant, 
both of Attleborough, in the regiment of Col. Cary of Middle- 
borough — Brigadier Gen. Fellowes, and did duty in and 
about New York, and were at the disastrous retreat from Long 
Island, &c.* Some of the other members of this company 
were from the neighboring towns. 

Sept. 1776. Another company was raised (part from Attle- 
borough and part from Norton) under Capt. Elisha May of this 
town, in the regiment of Col. Thomas Carpenter of Rehoboth, 
and arrived at White plains before the battle. 

In Oct. 1777, A whole company from this town marched to 
Rhode Island, under Capt. Stephen Richardson, and served 
one month in Spencer's • Secret Expedition,' so called. 



Much to his astonishment, our hero was immediately arrested (for doing, as 
he thought, so good a service) and put under guard ; but, on the represen- 
tations of his friends, was soon after discharged without further punish- 
Dient, in consideration of his good inienlionsi 

On meeting, afterwards, one of his townsmen, hi? exclaimed, with exulta- 
l\oa^ — ' There, I told you Fd have one of them are British rascals.' 



» Capt. Moses Wilmarth, though he had served as a captain at home, 
yet from a spirit of patriotism entered the service as a private soldier, in the 
expedition to N. York. He was afterwards promoted, and continued, much 
attached to the service, during the war. 

Joel Read of this town iviho i? now living) was wounded at N. Yoik. 



Several men from this town were drafted in the expedition 
against Ticonderoga in 1776. Served also at Saratoga. 

Some of our soldiers enlisted for 3 years, and others during 
the war. 

The above accounts do not include the many individual en- 
listments into the Continental army from this town, during the 
war. 

Militia — Rhode Island. 

The Militia in this town and the vicinity were subject to fre- 
quent drafts of men (more or less) from December 1776 until 
after the evacuation of Rhode Island. Drafts were made in 
January, February, March, May, June, July, and August 1777, 
and at many other times. The men were stationed, the most 
of the time, at Rowland's Ferry (Tiverton) and at Warwick. 

The British took possession of Rhode Island in December 
1776, and kept the surrounding country in a continual state 
of alarm. They occupied it above two years. 

General Sullivan, during his expedition to Rhode Island, 
requested the Government of Massachusetts to send him a re- 
inforcement, in consequence of the French forces having aban- 
doned him. In compliance with this request, the following 
orders were issued by the Council of this State, directing Col. 
Daggett of the 4th Regiment (including, as now, Attleborough, 
Mansfield, Norton, and Easton) to take charge of the detach- 
ment. 

' State of Massachusettts Bay, 

Council Chamber, Au^. \Sth 1778. 

Whereas Major General Sullivan has represented to this 
Board that by reason of the absence of the French Troops, 
which he expected would co-operate with him, he is in press- 
ing need of a re-inforcement, therefore, 

Ordered that the following Colonels be and hereby are di- 
rected to detach from their respective Regiments the several 
numbers of men hereafter mentioned, and form them into 
companies of sixty eight men each including one captain, two 
subalterns, four sergeants, four corporals, one drummer and 
one fifer, and see that they be equipped, armed, and accoutred. 



84 

as the law directs, and order thera to march immediately to 
the Island of Rhode Island, and there to do duty during the 
campaign on said Island : — viz. From Col. Hawes' regiment, 
one hundred and fifty men including officers and one Major; 
from Col. Carpenter's regiment one hundred and fifty men in- 
cluding officers; from Col. Daggett's regiment one hundred 
and fifty men including officers and one Colonel ; from Col. 
Hathaway's regiment one hundred and fifty men including offi- 
cers and one Lieut. Colonel ; from Col. Sproat's regiment 
one hundred and fifty men including officers ; from Col. Wil- 
liams' regiment one hundred and fifty men including officers: 
And make return to the Council without loss of time. 
A true Copy. 

Attest, JOHN A\1^KY Dy. Sec' y. 

In obedience to these orders a regiment (consisting of 900 
men) was formed out of the several regiments above named, 
which repaired to R. Island, and served under the command 
of Col. Daggett of this town, during the remainder of the cam- 
paign. The company furnished by this town, as its quota un- 
der this levy, was commanded by Capt. Caleb Richardson. It 
was on the island at the time of the battle, and was partially 
engaged in it.* 

Col. Daggett also commanded the regiment (of which this 
town furnished a portion) from Bristol County in Spencer's 
Expedition. This regiment was supplied by alternate drafts 
from the companies in the northerly and middle parts of the 
county. 

During the occupation of the Island by the British, as before 
observed, the militia from all the towns in the vicinity were fre- 
quently called upon to defend the shore, as constant apprehen- 
sions were entertained that the enemy would attempt to land. 
Attempts were indeed often made, but as often failed. Orders 
would sometimes come for all the militia to appear at some 
place near the Island. All hands would accordingly muster 



* Two men from this town, who had belonged to the Continental army, 
were killed in that action, viz. Lamed Hall and one Dyer formerly of Reho- 
botb. 



85 

(whether by night or day) and make all haste for the scene of 
parade. They were sometimes thus detained a week— 3 weeks 
—and even 6 weeks at a time. On the appearance of a suffi- 
cient force the enemy would for the time relinquish their de- 
sign, and the greater part of the militia obtain leave to go 
home. But sometimes before they arrived home, orders 
would come for their immediate return. The yeomanry were 
thus often obliged to leave the plough in the furrow, the mown 
hay untouched, and the harvest rotting in the field. 

Anecdote of Fayette. — Wliile Sullivan was retreating from 
the Island, Fayette, who brought up the rear, just as he was 
leaving the field, espied a pick-axe, belonging to the Ameri- 
can army, which had been accidentally left on the ground ; — 
he instantly went back, dismounted and picked it up, exclaim- 
ing, in broken English, as he rode oft' with it on his shoulder, 
• They sha'nt have de pick-axe /' 

The cannonade, (which was heavy) between the two ar- 
mies, was distinctly heard and felt in this town, and produced 
extreme anxiety in every family. 

The time of Bunker Flill battle was likewise a day of sol- 
emn feeling, and fearful expectation. The cannonade was 
distinctly heard at this distance (35 miles) and the occasion of 
it was fully recognized. It was so heavy as to shake the win- 
dows in the houses, and the plate upon the shelves. The earth 
trembled as in the heaviest thunder. The town was almost 
deserted by all able to bear arms. Women were in tears for 
the fate of fathers, husbands, and brothers who had gone to 
the scene of action. 

From the preceding account of the civil transactions and the 
military services of this town, it appears satisjactorily that our 
citizens furnished their full proportion to the ranks of the pat- 
riot army, and did their duty faithfully in the day of trial. 

In reviewing the proceedings in that contest which agitated 
the country previous to the commencement (jf the Revolution, 
one thing struck me as worthy of remark, (though not partic- 
ularly noticed by historians) that the citizens of this State gen- 
erally — the people as a body, felt a deeper interest — took a 
more active part — and exerted a more direct influence in the 
transactions of the day than the people of any other State. — 
The whole mass of our citizens seemed to be acting in con- 
12 



8S 

eert, animated with one spirit — and in pursuit of one object. 
Other States were indeed as zealously engaged in the great 
work, but it was rather through the Legislature or the Gov- 
ernment, than by the direct influence of the people. But the 
citizens of this State entrusted it not to a few leaders or to any 
body of men to vindicate their violated rights ; they were wil- 
ling to do their part and to bear the burden themselves. Eve- 
ry town and almost ever^ individual felt it a duty to put forth 
an effort in the cause. 

It may be here remarked, that previous to this period, viz. 
1745, Cumberland was separated from Attleborough, by Roy- 
al Charter, and annexed to Rhode Island.* 



* The new boundaries established by this charter took from Massacbusetts 
and annexed to Rhode Island a fine tract of land including all Bristol coun- 
ty, R. I. Tiverton, Newport county, and Cumberland, Providence county. 

Cumberland comprised nearly half of the original town. Its area is about 28 
square miles ; and, taken together is an excellent tract of land. It is good 
for grain, and orcharding, and especially for grass which is cut in great 
abuudance. Some parts of the town, however, are light and sandy. 

It was incorporated in 1746. It was previously called Attleborough 
Gore. It is well adapted to manufacturing purposes, having three streams, 
Abbott's Run, Mill and Peter's Rivers, besides the Blackstone which is its 
western boundary. A few years ago it had eight cotton manufacturing es- 
tablishments, running 5524 spindles ; one woollen factory ; two clothier's 
works; six grain mills; nineteen shops for building boats, in which ere 
made annually about TOO boats, which are worth from 20 to 70 dollars each. 
It had besides, 1 nail factory, 1 marble mill, 306 dwelling houses, 280 elec- 
tors, 3 companies of militia, 1 rifle corps, and part of a company of cavalry. 
Its population, in 1810, wag 2,110. But the town has since mate.-ially in- 
creased in population and amount of business. 

It bad four religious societies, two Baptists', one Methodist, and one 
Q,uaker. Taxable property io 1815 was 52!i,220 dollars. 



87 



GENEALOGY. 

A brief genealogy of some of the earliest settlers in the town 
is annexed, which is intended to include, so far as I have been 
able to ascertain, the names of those who came into town pre- 
vious to 1730, with the names of their children of the first gen- 
eration, (space not permitting me to extend it any farther) and 
also the previous place of their settlement when known. This 
will not contain the names of many who have all either re- 
moved from town or whose families have become extinct. — 
These sketches must necessarily be imperfect, from the defects 
in the records and the general neglect of most families to pre- 
serve any knowledge of their remote ancestry. The discovery 
of many of these facts connected with the history of our an- 
cestors, has been the result of fortunate accident. 

Many of the first proprietors (who belonged to Rehoboth) or 
their descendants became the occupants of the lands which 
they had purchased. But in process of time the cheapness of 
the land invited many emigrants from various parts of the col- 
onies of Massachusetts and Plymouth who either became share 
holders or purchased Rights.* 



Allen^ Nehemiah, son of Isaac Allen 1st of Rehoboth, marri- 
ed Anne Wilmarth, daughter of Thomas Wilmarth 2d, of that 
town, came to Attleborough about 1710. He had 5 children, 
viz. Isaacj John, Nehemiah, Daniel, Anne, who were born be- 
tween the years 1711 and 1726. 

Ativell, Richard, married Sarah Bolkcom (daughter of Alex- 
ander Bolkcom) had 5 children by her, Sarah, Amos, Anne, 
Richard, Ichabod, 1728 — 1739. His second wife was Mary 
Lawrence, by whom he had one son, William, born 1741. 

Barroics, Benajah, ancestor of all of that name in this town. 
He came here about 1708 irom Rehoboth where he had resided 
for a short time. His wife was Lydia Bucklin daughter of Jo- 
seph Bucklin one of the early settlers of that town — had 9 
children, John born in Rehoboth 1707; Deborah b. 1711; 
Joseph, 1713 ; Nehemiah 1715 ^ Benjamin March 1717-18; 

* Usually new comers, if they coult} not purchase a share ia the Undivi- 
ded lands, bought a li^ht to lay out a definite number of acres in a division 
ahcady granted. 



B8 

Elijah March 1719-20; Lydja 1722; Ichahod 1724. He 
died Jan. 5, 1754. 

Blachinton, Penticost, the ancestor of all the Blackingtons 
in town, came to Attleborough previous to 1702 — from what 
place is not known. His wife's name was Mary. He had at 
least 4 children, Penticost, Mary, Benjamin, who came with 
him, and Hepzibeth who was born here Dec. 1702; and John 
and Penelope twins b. 1705 and both died 1706. Penticost 
the 1st died Sept. 24, 1715. His son Penticost married Re- 
beccah Figgett— had 8 children, Penticost. b. 1716; Rebec- 
cah b. 1717 ; George b. 1720; Anne b. 1722 ; Mary b. 1724 ; 
John b. 1727; Othniel b. 1729 ; Peter b. 1731. 

Jilanding, Obediah, came from Rehoboth, son of William 
Blanding 1st of that name in Rehoboth, — married Elizabeth 
Weeks, — had 5 children, Ephraim, Samuel, Obediah, Eliza- 
beth, Mehitabel, 1919 — 1727. Several others afterwards came 
herefrom that town, descendants of William 1st. viz. Daniel, 
Noah, Lamack, &c. 

Bishop William^ appears to be the first, came from Beverly 
or Salem about 1703. His wife's name was Dorothy. He 
had 8 children, Edward, Elizabeth, William, Martha, Rebec- 
ca, Baily, Dorothy, John, 1701 — 1715. His second wife was 
Tabitha Hadley, married 1719. 

There were several others of this name, some of them, per- 
haps, brothers of the above, viz. Daniel, (who married Eliza- 
beth Brown 1734) Samuel (married Mary .) Joseph (mar- 
ried Miriam Hodges) Thomas who married ' Sarah Hobel of 
Pequonick ' and had one daughter born in New Brookfield 
N.Y. 1744. 

Bolkcom, Alexander, the let, who came to Attleborough, pre- 
vious to 1692; from whom all in town are descended. He 
married Sarah Woodcock, daughter of John Woodcock sen. 
and had 7 children, William b. Sept. 3, 1692 ; Katharine b. 
Feb. 7, 1694; Alexander b. April 4, 1696; John b. April 29, 
1699 ; Baruck b. June 12, 1702; Sarah b. Feb. 8, 1703-4 : Jo- 
seph b. Feb. 23, 1705-6. 

Hedied Jan. 31, 1727-8. His son William married Rlary 
Tyler, Oct. 3, 1713 ; Alexander ni'd. Martha Obinton, May 
14, 1725 ; Baruck ra. Patience Blake; John ni'd. Mary Grover, 
by whom he had 5 children, and afterward, Sarah Grover, by 



whom he had 8 children ; Joseph m'd. Mary Parminter, March 
21, 1733-4. 

Capron, Banfeld, was the first of that name who came to 
this country. From him all the Caprons in this vicinity are 
descended. The name of his first wife was Elizabeth. His 
children were Banfield, Joseph, Elizabeth Banfield, b. Oct. 22. 
1684, Edward, John, Jonathan, b. March 10, 1705-6, Sarah 
b. March 11, 1708-9. 

His wife Elizabeth died March 10, 1735. He married Dec. 
16, 1735, Mrs. Sarah Daggett (relict of Dea. John Daggett) and 
died Aug. 25, 1752, at a very advanced age. He settled where 
the late Joab Daggett lived, and laid out the lands there. Tra- 
dition says, he came to this country alone when he was quite a 
lad, as a cabin-boy, to seek his own fortune. 

Carpenter, Josiah, Noah, "William, Obediah, Sfc. came to At- 
tleborough from Rehoboth, and were all descendants of Sam- 
uel and William Carpenter, two of the earliest of that name in 
Rehoboth. William Carpenter was admitted an inhabitant of 
that town March 28, 1645. He was admitted a freeman of 
Massachusetts, May 13, 1640. 

Noah was the son of William of Rehoboth, b. March 28, 1672 
married Sarah Johnson, Dec. 3, 1700 — by whom he had 13 
children, Noah, Miriam, Sarah, Stephen, Asa, Mary (born in 
Rehoboth) Margaret, Simon (died infant) Isaiah, Simon, 
Martha, Elisha, Amy, He married Ruth FoUet, May 1727, 
by whom he had one daughter, b. May 1728. 

Clafli?i, (formerly Mc'Claflin*) Antipas, came here from 
Sudbury, Mass. had 3 children after his arrival in this town, 
viz. Hepzebeth, b. Nov. 17, 1717 ; Antipas and Ebenezer, 
twins, b. Feb. 8, 1720-21. His wife's name was Sarah. Oth- 
er sons probably came with him, Noah, Phinehas, &c. 

Cutting, the first and only one of this name, who came here, 
was Aaron. His son Aaron, Jr. married Ruth Pratt, 1749, 
(who died July 26, 1753) and for his second wife, Sarah Tuck- 
er, by both of whom he had 9 children. 

Daggett, John, ancestor of all the Daggetts here and in Con- 
came to Attleboro' from Chilmark, Marthas' Vineyard, about 

* Sometimes spelt Meclothlin, and in one place, (R. N. P. Rec, p, SS6) 
Mack Cleaulan — a proof of the variation which names undergo in thejcourse 
of a few generations. Tradition tayi the family originated in Scotland. 



90 

1709, with his wife Sarah, and 9 children, 4 sons and 5 daugh- 
ters, viz. Mayhew, Ebenezer, Thomas, Napthali, Abigail, (who 
m'd. Ebenezer Guild, Oct. 12, 1714) Jane, (ni'd. Caleb Hall, 
Nov. 9, 1721) Zilpha, (m'd. Nathaniel Robinson, July 18, 
1721) Patience, (m'd. Noah Robinson, Oct, 4,1723) Mary, 
(m'd. John Titus, Jan. 18, 1727-8) all of Attleborough. 
[gi Ebenezer married Mary Blackinton, (daughter of Penticost 
the 1st) Nov. 9, 1721 ; Mayhew married Joanna Biven, (of 
Deerfield, Mass.) Oct. 11, 1709; Thomas married Sarah Stan- 
ley, (daughter of Stanley) March 21, 1722-3.* 

Day, Samuel, appears to be the first — came from Rehoboth^ 
His wife was Priscilla. — He had several children, Samuel, Ed- 
ward, b. June 9, 1705 ; John, b. Sept. 29, 1708 ; Priscilla, b. 
Nov. 22, 1711 ; Benjamin, b. (in Attleborough) April 28, 1720; 
and perhaps others. 

One Robert Day was admitted freeman of Massachusetts,. 
May 6, 1635; and Ralph Day, May 1645. 

Foster, John, came from Dorchester about 1712, — married 
Margaret Ware — had 13 children, John, b. 1706; Robert, b, 
1707 ; Ebenezer, b. 1709, (these three b. in Dorchester) Mar- 
garet, b. (in Wrentham) 1712; Benjamin, b. 1714 ; Jonathan, 
b. 1715 ; Sarah, b. 1718 ; Timothy, b. 1720 ; Nathan, b. 1722; 
Esther, b. 1724 ; Michael, b. 1725 ; (and died 1726) Michael, 
b. 1727 ; Mary, b. 1729. 

Foster, Alexander, (another who came to town) whose wife's 
name was Suanna, — had 6 children, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alex- 
ander, Edward, Suanna, Jane — from 1734 to 1746. 

Freeman, David a.n A Jonathan, inhabitants of Rehoboth, came 
to Attleborough — probably the ancestors of all the Freemans 
in this town. The name of David's wife was Mary. Some of 



*By recent research I ana able to (race this family still farther back : and 
give the result for the information of numerous descendants here k. elsewhere. 

John the 1st of Attleborough, was the son of Thomas Daggett, Esq. of 
Edgartown, who married Hannah, the oldest daughter of Gov. Mayhew, 
and was brother to Thomas, Samuel, Joshua, Israil, Mercy. 

Thomas the father (who was brother of John the fust of Rehoboth) is 
Bupposed to be the son of John Daggett, the first, who came to this country 
in 1630, and was settled in VVatertown 1642, and probably removed to 
Marthas' Vineyard with Gov. Mayhew, when he settled the Island, in 
1644. There is reason to believe that John the first of Watertown had a 
brother Thomas who cejie to New England. 



91 

his children were Ebenezer, b. April 13, 1684 ; Hannah, b. 
April 24, 1686 ; Margaret, b. Feb. 9, 1688-9. 

Jonathan's children were William, Mary, Jonathan, Mercy, 
Samuel, Anne, David, 1690—1704. 

French, John, son of John French 1st of Rehoboth,— came 
from that town about 1710— married Martha Williams— had 
five children, John (b. in Rehoboth) Ephraim and Martha 
twins (died infants) Hannah, Samuel, 1709—1714. His 2d 
wife was Abigail White, married May 23, 1728, by whom he 
had 2 children, John b. 1729, Thomas b. 1730. 

Thomas brother of the preceeding, also came from Reho- 
both— married Mary Brown, Jan. 5, 1720-1,— had 6 children, 
Thomas, Christopher, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Bridget, Sa- 
rah, Hannah, 1722—1738. 

Fuller. This name is numerous. The first are not all 
known. One was John— whose children were Ithaman, Abi- 
gail, John, Jeduthan, Abial, Joanna, 1702—1719. His 2d 
wife was Mary Follet— had 1 daughter Sarah b. 1721. 

Jonathan Fuller was an early settler of Rehoboth. Robert 
and William Fuller admitted freemen Mass. 2d June 1641. 

Guild, Ebenezer, came from Dedham— married Abigail Dag- 
gett (daughter of Dea. John Daggett 1st) 12th Oct. 1714 ; had 

several children, Joseph, Naphtali, Ebenezer, 1716—1722 

John and Benjamin also came with him. 

Hall. Edward and John came from England— soon to 
Taunton— thence to Rehoboth. Ephraim, son of John, came 
to Attleborough. John was admitted fr. Mass. 14th May 1634 ; 
Edward, 2d May, 1638. John married Mary Newell of Rox- 
bury, 18th Nov. 1684. Edward died 27th Nov. 1670. 

Christopher Hall also came to Attleborough— had two sons, 
Caleb and Joshua. 

Ide, Nicholas, Lieut, (son of Nicholas 1st of Rehoboth, who 
was there as as early as Apr. 9, 1645) was born ?;ov. 1654 ; 
married Mary Ormsby, Dec. 27, 1628 ; bed 7 children, Na- 
thaniel, Jacob, Martha, Patience, John, Benjamin, 1678— 
1693— all born in Rehoboth. Nicholas (by his 2d wife Eliza) 
b. in Attleborough July 25, 1697. Nicholas sen. died 5th 
June 1723. Nath died 14th March 1702-3. 

Jacob (2d son) married Sarah Perry. His children wer« 
Sarah, b. Dec. 13, 1712 ; Jacob, Sept. 26, 1723. 



92 

John (3d son) married Mehetable Robinson May 14, 1719 
— had 4 children, Sarah, John, Benjamin, Amos, 1720 — 1729. 

Ingraham, Joseph, Benjamin, Jeremiah, £Z//a/t, descendants of 
Benjamin, and of Jarrett whose name is on the list of Purchas- 
ers, came from Rehoboth. Joseph married Mary Shepardson. 

Elijah married Sarah Ide — had 8 children, Elijah, Jabez, 
Sarah and William twins, Betty, Remember, Comfort, Jere- 
miah, 1734-1746. 

Maxcy, Alexander,* came from Gloucester, Mass. with his 
family, about 1721, — settled on John Woodcock's farm and 
continued the public house. His wife's name was Abigail. — 
He died Sept. 20, 1723. His children were Alexander (who 
died April 2, 1724) Joseph, Josiah, Abigail, (who married Ja- 
cob Hascall of Gloucester) Mary (who married Wm. Ware 
May 4, 1726) Esther (who married Nehemiah Ward Dec. 3d 
172S) and Benjamin. 

Josiah married Mary Everett daughter of Joshua Everett, 
had 11 children. His 2d son Levi (whose wife was Ruth daugh- 
ter of Jacob Newell) was the father of Jonathan, Milton, and 
Virgil, graduates of Brown University — eminent in literary and 
professional life. Levi, another son, who possessed superior 
talents though not liberally educated — died at the South. 

Martin, John, Robert, and Timothy, came from Rehoboth. — 
Timothy married Mary, daughter of John Fuller, then of Re- 
hoboth, afterwards of Attleborough, — had three children, Tim- 
othy, Sarah, Abel. 

Three of this name were admitted freemen Massachusetts, 
Thomas, Martin, 22d May, 1639 ; John and Robert 13th May, 
1640. John settled in Rehoboth. 

Moore, Alexander, married Alice Chaffee — had 8 children, 
Samuel, Comfort, Jane, Betsey, Esther, Alice, Kate, Hannah. 

Newell, Jacob, came here from Roxbury or Dorchester, about 
1715, bringing with him his family of several sons, Jacob, Jo- 
seph, Ephraim, &c. Jason b. here, Dec. 12, 1717. His wife's 
name was Joyce. He settled near the first M. -House, and 
bought a part of Willett's farm, and, according to tradition, 
distributed it among his 7 sons, which still remains in 7 divis- 
ions. 



* It is said that a brother came with him to this country, and settled in 
one of the Southern States. 



9t 

Peck, Hezekiah, (son of Nicholas Peck, of Reboboth) came 
to Attleborougb about 1700, witb bis family — married Debo- 
rah Cooper, of the former place — bad 7 children, Deborah, Ju- 
dith, Hannah, Hezekiah, Rachel, b. in Reboboth ; Petronella> 
Perthenab, 16S7— 1711. 

Several other Pecks came here from Reboboth, viz. John and 
Elisha, brothers of Hezekiah ; Daniel and Icbabod, sons of 
Jathniel who was the son of Joseph 1st.* 

Read, Daniel, came to Reboboth about 1716, with five chil- 
dren, Beriah, Ichabod, Hannah, Abigail, Esther, Daniel (died 
infant) 1707 — 1713. His first wife was Elizabeth Bosworth; 
his second was Eliz. Ide by whom he had eight children, Dan- 
iel, Noah, Eliz. Sam. Abigail, Rachel, Benj. Thankful, 1716 
— 1734.t 

At least two other Reads came here from Reboboth, Moses, 
and Ezra. Those of this name have been very numerous in 
this town. 



* He came to Reboboth from Hingham, Mass. and probably to thatplaca 
from Hingham, England. 

Mr. Joseph Peck and Mr. Robert Peck were admitted freemen, Mass. 
ISth March 1638— 9. Robert was ordained teacher at Hingham 8th Nov. 
1638 ; and 27tb Oct. 1641, returned to England w ith bis family. Joseph's 
name appears on the Reboboth records April 9, 1645. On his way from 
Hingham the following accident befel him. 

1645. I. 25. 'Another strange accident happened by fire about this time. 
One Mr. Peck and three others of Hingham, being about with other* to re- 
move to Seacoiik (which was concluded by the Commissioners of the United 
Colonies to belong to Plymouth,) riditig thither, they sheltered themselves 
and their horses in an Indian wigwam, which by some occasion took fire 
and (although they were all four in it, and labored to their utmost, '&:c.) 
burnt three of their horses to death, and all their goods to the value of 50 
pounds.' 

One John Peck was in Reboboth as early as 29th March, 1645. {Win. 
Jour. II. 216.) 

Nicholas, John, Joseph, Jr. are supposed to be sons of Mr. Joseph, who 
came with him to Kehoboth ; if this supposition be true, then ail of the 
name are descended from him. 

t Thomas Read, admitted freeman, Mass. April 1, 1634; John, ISth May 
1640; William, 14th Dec. 16S8; Esdras, 2d June, 1641. John an.l Thom- 
as (perhaps sons of John) settled in Rehoboib, ntid \^ere the ancestors of 
the namerous progeny of Read^ in that town and Attlebocough. 

13 



94 

Richards, Ecbvard and Nathan came from Dedham. Fio m 
them are descended tliose of that name in this town. The 
first in Dedham was Edward who was admitted freeman 1641. 
( Worthingtoii's His. Ded.) 

Richardson, Stephen, John, William, Seth, brothers, came to 
Altleborough. Seth married Mary Brown. His children were 
Stephen, Seth, (died) Mary, Abigail, Sarah, Seth, Phebe, 1714 
—1725. 

Several others also came to this town, Timothy, Francis &c. 
Ezeluel Richardson, freeman, Mass. 18th May, 1631 ; Samuel, 
2d May, 1638. 

Robinson. — Six of this name came to Attleborough from Re- 
hoboth, viz. Nathl. Noah, John, Timothy, Samuel, Ebenezer.* 

Nathaniel, married Zilpha, (3d daughter of Dea. John Dag- 
gett 1st,) July 18, 1721; had 9 children, Nathan, Nathaniel, 
George, Zilpha, Eliz. Elihu, Amos, Abigail, Margaret, 1722 — • 
1739. 

Noah married Patience (4th daughter of John Daggett 1st) 
Oct. 4, 1722-had 7 children, Zephaniah, Mary, Elijah, Wil- 
liam, Huldah, Enoch, Comfort, 1723—1740. 

John married Thankful Newell and had several descendants. 
Timothy married Eliz. Grant. Samuel married Mary Cooper 
first wife, Mary Ide second wife. 

Ebenezer married Eliz. Read, and had 8 children, Meheta- 
ble, Sarah, Ebenezer, Samuel, Eliz. Ezekiel, Dan, Martha, 
1721—1738. 

Stanley, Thomas, Nathaniel, Joseph, Samuel, Jacob, John, 
came from Topsfield, Mass. and settled near the Falls. The 
last three were brothers. Thomas and Samuel were here in 
1707; Jacob came about 1717. Thomas married Mary Gould 
— had 12 children, Thomas, Mary, Phebe, Nathaniel, Samuel, 
Daniel, David (died infant) Martha, William, Abigail, Priscil- 
la, David. 

Jacob married Eliz. Guild. His children were Jacob, Ben- 
jamin, Eliz. (died infant) Deborah, Jon. Eliz. Solomon, Abi- 
jrail. 



* They were descendants of George Kobinsou 1st of Kehobotb, whose 
Dame is on our List of Purchasers. He married Joanna Ingraham. 

William Bobinsoo, freemaa Mass. at Salem, S7lb December, 1642; John, 
Sd June, 1641. 



95 

Nathaniel married Sarah Blackinton. His children were 
Serviah, Sarah, Hepzibeth, Abner, Amy, Sibula, Israil, Penti- 
cost, Anne, Nathaniel, 1721 — 1744, 

Starkcy, Andrew, came here about 1708. His first wife was 
Mehitable Waite, by whom he had two children, Mehitable b. 
May 1709; John b. July 1712. His second wife was Catha- 
rine (daughter of Alexander Bolkcom) by whom he had three 
children, Jemima, Andrew, Thomas, 1722—1733. Andrew 
sen. died 16th August 1740. 

Szveet, Henri/, was here about 1690, — had 5 children, John, 
Phillip (died inftmt) Thomas, Michael (died infant) Dorothy. 
He was one of the earliest, if not the first of that name. — Died 
8th December 1704. — Probably a descendant of John, admit- 
ted freeman 1641. 

Sioeetland, John, came from Marblehead, with several others 
of that name; three of his children were Benjamin, Deborah, 
Samuel, 1703 — 1711. He died 9th June 1711. 

Tyler, Ebcnezer, had 9 children, Ebenezer, Elizabeth, Phe- 
be, Catharine, Hannah, d. John, Hannah, William, 1714 — 
1731.* 

/S'affi?/c? married Mary Capron — had 11 children, Mary, d. 
Samuel, d. Moses, Samuel, Mary, Nathan, Huldah, Habijah 
and Elizabeth twins, Ebenezer, Benjamin d. 

Wilkinson, John, came here about 1700— married Rachel 
Fales. His children were 8, John, Joseph, Rachel, Mary, 
Hepzibeth, Abigail, Sarah, Hannah, 1702 — 1723. He pur- 
chased Capt. Willett's share in the undivided lands, probably 
of his son Andrew. Died 24th Jan. 1724-5. 

John Wilkinson, Maiden, died Dec. 1675.— Far. Reg. 
Wilmarth, Thomas,f came to Atlleborough about 1708, — 
married Deborah Peck — had 7 children, Mary, Thomas, Deb- 
orah, Elizabeth, Anne, Ebenezer, Eliphalet, 1709—1728. 
Several other Wilmarths came from that town, Samuel, (son 



* Tyler, Abraham, Haverhill 1650, filed 6th May 1673. .Tob, Andover 
1653, had a son Moses who died 1727 aged 85, having had 10 sons. Na- 
thaniel, Lynn 1642.— Far. iJeg. 

I Grandson of Thomas Wilmarth .Sen. who came into Rehoboth as early 
as March 28, 1645, with his wife and children. This name was anciently 
spelt Wilmot. 



96 

of Thomas 2d of Rehoboth) Jonathan, Nathan, Stephen, (sons 
of Jonathan of that place) Daniel, &c. 

The Deanes came from Taunton ; EUises, Drapers, &c. 
from Dedham, subsequent to 1730. 

It is not expected that the foregoing list includes all who 
came previous to that period. The names of the original an- 
cestors of some could not be ascertained. 

One name was omitted in its proper place. Bourne, An- 
drew, came (it is supposed from G. Britain) to Attleborough, 
about 1720, and settled in the East part of the town. All of 
that name in this vicinity are descended from him. 



LIST OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS NOW IN TOWN, WITH THE 
NUMBER OF EACH NAME AFFIXED, TAKEN FROM THE TAX LIST 
OF 1832. 

Ha Albey 1 — Alger 2 — Aldrich 1 — Allen 8 — Alexander 1 
—Arnolds — Atherton 2 — Atwell 1. 

Ba Babcock 3 — Bacon 2 — Barrows 8 — Bates 6 — Bailey 1 
Baldwin 1 — Bishop3— Blake 1 — Blackington 9 — Blackwell 1 
— Blanchard 1 — Blanding4 — Bliss 5— Bolkcom 8 — Bosworth 
I — Bourne 1 — Bowen 5 — Bragg 2 — Briggs 7 — Brown 4 — 
Bruce 1— Bullock 2. 

Cb Capron 11 — Cargill 1 — Carpenter 14 — Chace 2 — Chan- 
dler 1— Cheever 1— Chickering 1— Claflin 14 — Clark 2— 
Clayes 1-Clinlock Mc 1— Cobb ^-Codding 3-Cole 2-Col- 
Tin 1 — Cook 1 — Cooper 3— Cornell 2 — Crocker 1 — Crowning- 
shield 1 — Cutting 1 — Cummins 5 — Cushman 3. 

l>a Daggett 11— Dart 1— Day 2— Davis 1— Deane 11— 
Derry 1 — Dodge 2 — Draper 17 — Drake 2 — Dunham 2. 

B- Earl 1— Eddy 1 -Eldridge 3— Ellis 3— Everett 4. 

r. Fales 1— Fairbrother 2— Field 3— Fisher 6— Follet 2 
Forbueh 1 — Foster 6 — Franklin 1 — Freeman 7 — French 7 — 
Frost 1 — Fuller 21— Furguson 1 — Furthington 1. 

Ga Gardner 2— Gay 1 — George 2— Gilbert 1 — Giles 1 — 
GofF 1— Grant 3— Green 3— Guild 2. 

TtKm Hall 4 — Hamar 1 — Harkness 1 — Harris2— Hatch 4 — 
Haven 2 — Hayward 1 — Hicks 1 — Hitchcock 1 — Holman 3— 
Holnaei 7— Horr 2— Horton 1 — Hunt 2— .Hantreis 1. 



97 

I, Ide 6 — Ingalls 1 — Ingraham 4. 

J, Jackson 2 — Jewett 2— Jillson 5 — Jones 1. 

K. Kent l—Kempton 2— Knowles 1. 

Xim Lane 1— Latham 1— Lathrop 1 — Lavery 1— Lee 1 — 
Lewis 1 — Lindsey 3. 

m, Mann 1— Martin 6— Mason 3~May 3—Metcalf 1— 
More 3 — Morse 6 — Morey 1. 

N", Newell 4 — Newman 1. 

P, Paine 3— Parmenter 3— Peck 6— Perry 5— Pidge 2— 
Pierce 3— Pike 5-Phillip 1— Pond 1— Price 3. 

R. Read 9— Richards 22 — Richardson 15— Riley 1— 
Rhodes 2 — Robinson 9— Rogers 1 — Rounds I. 

S. Sanford 2— Savery 1— Shaw 3— Sheldon 1— Shepard 1 
— Shepardsbn 1 — Skinner 1 — Slack 3 — Smith 1 — Sprague 1 
Stanley 13 — Starkey 3— Stearns 1 — Strafford 1 — Stratton 1 — 
Streeter 1 — Swan 1 — Sweet 6. 

T. Thacher 2— Thayer 3— Thurber 2— Tiffany 2--Tifft 3 
— Tingley 2— Titus 2— Towne 3— Tripp 3— Tucker 1— Turn- 
er 1— Tyler 1. 

VT. Walker 1— Walton 1— Walcot 3— Warner 1— Wel- 
man 4— Westcot 2— Wheeler 1 — Whipple 3— Whiting 4 — 
White 7— Wilder 2— Williams 6— Wilraarth U—Wiiherell 4 
— Withington 2 — Woodcock 2 — Wood 3 — Worseley 1 — 
Wright I. 

There are about 200 different names (sirnames) on the List, 
and 618 different persons. There are, of course, some other 
names in town wich are not in the assessor's Rates ; but the 
above catalogue includes the most of them. These items, in- 
different to some, may be curiosities to others. 



i9B 



LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES 

From this town from its Incorporation, in 1694, to 1833. Elec- 
tions were in May unless otherwise designated. 



1709* David Freeman 

1710 David Freeman ; 

1711 David Freeman 

1712 Capt Joseph Brownt 

1713 Mr. David Freeman 
Lieut. Nicholas Ide§ 

1714 Lieut. Nicholas Ide 

1715 David Freeman 

1716 David Freeman 

1717 David Freeman 

1718 David Freeman 

1719 Jeremiah Whipple 

1720 Dea. John Daggett 
David Freeman^ 

1721 David Freeman 

1722 No one would accept. 

1723 Capl. John Foster 

1724 Mr. Nathl. Carpenter 

1725 Capt. John Foster 

1726 Capt. Joseph Brown 

1727 Capt. Joseph Brown 

1728 Capt. Joseph Brown 

1729 Mr. Naihl. Carpenter 

1730 Capt. John Foster 

1731 Capt. John Foster 

1732 Capt. John Foster 

1733 Nathaniel Carpenter 

1734 Sent an excuse. 

1735 Nathaniel Carpenter 

1736 Capt. Mayhew Daggett 

1737 John Robinson 
Capt. Mayhew Daggett 
John Foster, Esq. 



Timothy Tinglej 
Samuel Tyler 
Ahasel Read 

1738 John Foster, Esq. 

1739 John Robbins 

1740 John Robbins 

1741 Capt. Mayhew Daggett 

1742 Capt. Mayhew Daggett 

1743 Maj. John Foster 

1744 Capt. Mayhew Daggett 

1745 Capt. Samuel Tyler 

1746 Perez Bradford, Esq.| 

1747 Capt. Samuel Tyler 

1748 Capt. Samuel Tyler 

1749 Capt. Samuel Tyler 

1750 Benjamin Day 

1751 Benjamin Day 

1752 Benjamin Day 

1753 Benjamin Day 

1754 Name not on record. 

1755 Name not on record. 

1756 Lieut. Josiah Maxcy 

1757 " Josiah Maxcy 

1758 " Josiah Maxcy 

1759 Dea. Benjamin Day 

1760 Japhesh Bicknell 

1761 Stephen Fuller 

1762 Stephen Fuller, Esq. 

1763 Stephen Fuller, Esq. 

1764 Dea. Ebenezer Lane 

1765 Dea. Ebenezer Lane 

1766 Dea. Ebenezer Lane 

1767 Dea. Ebenezer Lane 



* The reader will perceive liiat no representative was chosen during the 
first fourteen years after the incorporation. The reason is given in the 
extracts from the town records, page 22, 24. 

t Son of Mr. John Brown of Rehoboth (well known in the history of 
the Old Colony) came here about 1769 from Kingston, R. I. to which be 
had removed about 1702. In this list the lilies^ generally given according 
to the custom of the times, are retained as they appear on record. 

4 Nov. 1713. TT June 1720. 

:j: July 22d, 1746, Capt. Mayhew Daggett was chosen. 



99 



1768 


John Daggett 


1805 


Ebenezer Bacon 


1769 


John Daggett 


1806 


Joel Read, Esq. 


1770 


John Daggett 


1807 


Ebenezer Bacon 


1771 


John Daggett 


1808 


Joel Read 


1772 


John Daggett 


1809 


Joel Read 


1773 


Capt. John Daggett 


1810 


Joel Read 


1774 


Capt. John Daggett 


1811 


Joel Read 


1775 


Capt. John Daggett 




John Richardson 


1776 


Capt. John Stearns 




Benjamin Bolkcom 


1777 


Capt. John Stearns 


1812 


John Richardson 




William Stanley 




Joel Read 


1778 


Capt. Elisha May 




Benjamin Bolkcom 


1779 


Capt, Elisha May 


1813 


Joel Read 


1780 


Capt. Elisha May 




Benjamin Bolkcom 




John Daggett 




John Richardson 


1181 


Elisha May 


1814 


Capt. Thomas French 


1782 


Name not found. 




Jabez Newell 


1783 


Col. Steph. Richardson 1815 


A.' Richardson, Jr. 


1784 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1816 


Ebenezer Daggett Esq. 


1785 


Col. S. Richardson 


1817 


Sent no one. 


1786 


Capt. Ebenezer Tyler 


1818 


It H (( 


[787 


William Stanley 


1819 


(t (( (( 


1788 


Elisha May. Esq. 


1820 


A. Richardson Jr. 


1789 


Capt. C. Richardson 


1821 


A. Richardson Jr. 


1790 


Maj. Ebenezer Tyler 


1822 


Ebenezer Daggett Esq. 


1791 


Elisha May( Esq. 


1823 


Ebenezer Daggett Esq. 


L792 


Maj. Ebenezer Tyler 


1824 


Sent no one. 


1793 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1825 


William Blackinton 


1794 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1826 


William Blackinton 


1795 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1827 


George Ellis 


;796 


Elisha May, Esq. 




Elkanah Briggs 


[797 


Elisha May, Esq. 




A. Richardson Jr. 


[798 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1828 


George Ellis 


[799 


Col. Ebenezer Tyler 




Elkanah Briggs Esq, 


[800 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1829 


Elkanah Briggs Esq. 


801 


Elisha May, Esq. 


1830 


Elkanah Briggs Esq. 


[802 


Maj. Ebenezer Tyler 


1831 


Abijah M. Ide Esq. 


803 


Maj. Ebenezer Tyler 


1832 


Abijah M. Ide Esq. 


804 


Maj. Ebenezer Tyler 


1833 


Abijah M. Ide Esq. 



160 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Rev. Naphtali Daggett, D. D. President of Yale College, 
was the son of Ebenezer Daggett and Mary his wife, and was 
born in Attleborough (at the residence of the late Ebenezer 
Daggett Esq.) Sept. 8th 1727. He was the second sou among 
8 children. His father dying while he was yet young, he was 
left under the direction of a mother, who was, however, in ev- 
ery respect, peculiarly qualified to discharge the duties which 
devolved upon her. He soon after commenced studies prepar- 
atory lo college. He entered Yale College in 1744, and grad- 
uated in 1748, at the age of 21. He was distinguished during 
his college life for industry and close application. 

He was settled as minister of Smithtown on Long Island in 
1751. In Sept. 1755 he was elected the first Professor of 
Divinity in Yale College, which appointment he accepted, and 
removed to New Haven, and was inducted into ofiice on the 
4th of March following.* This ofiice he held during his life. 
After the resignation of Mr. Clap Sept. 10th 1766, he ofiicia- 
ted as President till April 1st 1777, when he resigned the of- 
fice, but still continued to hold that of Professor of Divinity. 
The learned Dr. Stiles was his successor in the Presidency. 

During the barbarous attack on New Haven by the British 
army, in July 1779, he took an active part in the defence of 
the country, and was distinguished for his resolution and intre- 
pidity. t He was taken prisoner and came near losing his life. 

• The foundation of this Professorship was laid in 1T46 by a donation 
from the Hon. Phillip Livingston, of New York; and having received a 
considerable addition by another donation from Mr. Gershom Clark, of 
Lebanon, with sonie appropriations by the college, it afiforded a sufficient 
salary for the support of such an office, which was accordingly eslabliehed 
in 1755. A house for the use of the incumbent was erected by subscription ; 
and finished in 1758. 

t He had made himself obnoxious by his open, and active oppositioa to 
tbe British cause. He had often inculcated upon the students under his 
charge,— in tbe pulpit and in the lecture-room, — the duty of resistance lo 
British oppression. He bad therefore incurred the special displeasure of 
the invaders. He had openly preached and prayed against the success of 
their cause. He knew no dlGterence between preaching and practicing; 
and when the crisis came, he carried his own principles into action. H* 
Bbould«red his muikct and went into the field with the lest to reptl the ii*' 



101 

Dr. Daggett died, (in consequence of the wounds he had re- 
ceived on that occasion) Nov. 25ih 1780 at the age of 53. He 
presided over the University about eleven years, and held the 
office of Professor of Divinity twenty-five years. Possessed of 
a strong, clear, and comprehensive mind, he apphed himself 
with assiduity and success to the various brandies of knowl- 
edge, particularly to the learned languages and divinity. Dr. 
Holmes in his life of President Stiles, says, 'he was a good 
classical scholar; well versed in moral philosophy; and a 
learned divine.' Clearness of understanding and accuracy of 
thought were characteristics of his mind. He received the 
honorary degree of Doctor in Divinity from Yale College, and 
also from Nassau, New Jersey. He published a sermon on the 
death of President Clap 17C7; another delivered at the ordina- 
tion of Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin 1770; and a third delivered at 
the ordination of Rev. J. Howe, 1773. 



Col. John Daggett, an elder brother of the preceding- 
born Sept 2d J 724 or 5 — was one of the principal public char- 
acters and leading men of the town, especially during the try- 
ing period of the Revolution. He and Col. May were the two 

vailers. He was taken prisoner by the enemy. They beat, and bruised 
him, and offered him every indignity in their power. His clerical charac- 
ter, in (heir eyes, was no exemption from the most outrageous abuses. They 
demanded of him, who he was — he unhesitatingly replieiJ, " My name is 
Napthali Daggett — I am one of tiie officers of Yale College — I reijuiie you 
to release me." "But we understand you have been in the habit of pray- 
ing against our cause," "Yes— and I never niaiie more sincere prayers in 
my life." 

He was at first left for di^ad on the ground. He was taved by the intre- 
pidity of the lady into whose house he bad been conveyed. After the Brit, 
ish bad retired, an officer and a file of soldiers were sent back to convey 
him a prisoner on board their transports. They came to the house and in- 
quired for him, and were answered by the laily (who a{ipeared at the dr or, 
and resolutely refused to admit them) that he was so badly woundtd, it 
would be impossible to convey him on board alive. '• My orders," said 
the officer, "are positive, to take him with me." But you would not sure- 
ly carry away a ih'iug man ; — he is now in the agonies of death. Afier 
repealed demands and refusals, the officer finally determined to return and 
report the case to his superior and ask for furlhsr orders. But he never 
«aai0 back after liis prisoner. 

u 



102 

on whom the town placed the utmost reliance. He was pos- 
sessed of a strong and sound mind, and was marked by a reso- 
lute and decided character. He was a puritan in the plainness 
and sinipHcity of his manners, and was a firm friend to the civ- 
il institutions and republican customs of New England. 

He was commissioned one of his Majesty's Justices of the 
Peace under the Provincial Government before the Revolu- 
tion. He took an early and decided stand (with many other 
patriotic citizens of this town) in the commencement of those 
proceedings which produced the Revolution. He was a mem- 
ber of the Provincial Congress which assembled at Cambridge. 
For a long succession of years he was elected a member of the 
Legislature ; and was also a member of the Convention which 
formed the Constitution. He was generally called to serve on 
the most important committees which were raised in town 
meeting to consider the many difficult subjects which were 
then brought before the people during and subsequent to the 
Revolution. Col. Daggett commanded the regiment from the 
county of Bristol both in Spencer's and Sullivan's Expedi- 
tions on Rhode Island, — in '77 and '79. 

At home he was extensively employed as a surveyor, and 
was engaged in various other kinds of public business such as 
the ordinary transactions of life require between citizens. He 
died universally respected, January 20th 1803, at the age of 79. 



A third brother, Doct. Ebenezer Daggett, was a respecta- 
ble physician, who settled in Wrentham village where he ac- 
quired an extensive practice. He married Miss Metcalf, 

daughter of Timothy Metcalf Esq. of Wrentham, by whom 
he had several children. 

His son, Rev. Herman Daggett, graduated at Brown Univer- 
sity in 1788, and pursued his professional studies with Dr. 
Emmons of Franklin. He was settled, a few years, in the min- 
istry on Long Island ; and afterwards removed to Ridge- 
field, Connecticut, and finally to Cornwall, where he died in 
1832. He was principal of the Foreign Mission School es- 
tablished at the latter place. 



DoGT. Bezaleel Mann — a well hnown and worthy physi- 
cian of this town, — deserves a notice in these sketches. Hq 
was a descendant of Rev. Samuel Mann the first minister of 
Wrenthan>. He studied his profession with Dr. Hewes of 
Foxborough, and commenced business in this town sometime 
previous to 1750. Dr. Mann had the reputation of being a- 
skillful pliysician, and had acquired an extensive circle of 
practice. His character is justly portrayed in his epitaph. 

'^' Bezaleel Mann mort. die Octo. tert. 1798, an. aetat. 74. 
Early imbued with the princi[)Ies of moral rectitude, he sus- 
tained through the diversified concerns of a long and active 
life, the character of an honest man. As a physician, he com- 
manded, during the period of near 50 years, that unlimited 
confidence and respect, which talents alone can inspire. The 
features of liis mind were sketched by the glowing pencil of 
nature, filled up with qualities that adorn humanity, and 
Rhiuled with few infirmities the frequent attendants on mental 
excellence." 

" Bebe Miinn,* his wife, mort. die Octo. tert. 1793, aetat. 61. 
She was a person of bright genius, of few words, and much 
reserved in mind. From early youth she marked all her paths 
with virtue, and timely took the advice Christ gave to his dis- 
ciples, and made to herself a friend of the mammon of un- 
righteousness, and when she failed, could, with christian con- 
fidence, say, that her witness was in heaven and her reward 
on high. 

This stone is erected by the grateful hand of filial piety to 
protect the awful dust of revered parents." 

These inscriptions may be found in Alden's valuable Collec- 
tion of Epitaphs. 

Dr. Maun had several sons who entered the professions 

His son Preston, who is a physician, was graduated at Brown 
University, and settled in Newport, R. I. where he is now liv- 
ing. Another son, John Milton, was also a graduate at Brown 
University, became a ])h)'sician, and removed to the State of 
N. York, where he was drowned in attempting to cross the Riv- 
er Hudson. His second daughter married one of his students, 
Dr. SethCapron of this town, who, with another son, Newton, 



• She wag a daughter of Mr. Eaekiel Carpeuter of tbii tovrn. 



■^ 104 

removed to the State of New York, where they are now living. 
His second son, Herbert, was educated a physician, and enter- 
ed, as surgeon, on board the privateer General Arnold, Capt. 
Magee, and was lost in that terrible storm which ensued, iti 
Plymouth Harbor, 26lh Dec. 1778. The stone which is here 
erected to his memory contains the following epitaph : 

'In memory of doctor Herbert Mann, who. with 119 sailors 
with Capt. James Magee, master, went on board the brig Gen- 
eral Arnold, in Boston Harbor, 25th Dec. 1778, hoisted sail, 
made for sea, and were immediately overtaken by the most 
tremendous snow storm with cold, that was ever known in the 
memory of man, and, unhappily, parted their cable in Ply- 
mouth harbor, in a place called the Cow-yards, and he, with 
about 100 others, was frozen to death ; sixty-six of whom were 
buried in one grave.* He was in the 21st year of his age. — 
And now Lord God Almighty, just and true are all thy ways, 
but who can stand before thy cold V 



Hon. Elisha May was a distinguished citizen of this town, 
who was often employed in public office, and whose name is 
still held in reverence by those who remember him. Courte- 
ous and gentlemanly in hjs manners, and honorable and up- 
right in his principles, he was universally esteemed. Intelli- 
gent and active in business, he was well qualified to fulfil the 
various offices to which he was elected. He discharged the 
various duties which devolved upon him, with ability, and en- 
tire satisfaction to his constituents. He was, in fine, one of the 
most valuable citizens of this town. He died Nov. 15th, 1811, 
in the 73d year of his age. His character is justly though 
briefly described by one who was personally acquainted with 
him. The following extract is from a Discourse delivered at 
his interment, by the Rev. John Wilder, then the pastor of the 
1st Congregational Church in this town. 

' His memory will long be precious, not only to his near rel- 
atives and friends, but likewise to his intimate acquaintance, 
to his neighbors, to the religious society in this place, and to 
the inhabitants of the town. For he is the man whom his fel- 



• In the town of Plymouth. 



105 

lo\r-citizens have delighted to honor ; nor was he unworthy 
their respect and confidence. For blessed witli a sound mind, 
a retentive memory, a quick discernment of men and tilings, a 
polite address, an lionest heart, and an education considerably 
above mediocrity, he was singularly qualified for public emph)y- 
ments of various kinds. And his worth was early discovered ; 
for at the time of the Revolutionary war he was an active and 
useful member both in the military and civil departments. — 
Since that period he was employed, without opposition, as a 
legislator, or a counsellor, until he chose to retire. For about 
27 years in succession, one excepted, he was called to a seat 
in the Legislature, and chiefly in the upper house. For almost 
forty years together he has been moderator of the town 
meetings in this place ; in which cfllice he was equalled by few, 
and exceeded by none. He had tbe honor of being an elector 
of the President of the United States. As a magistrate through- 
out the Commonwealth, he did much business, and to very 
general satisfaction. He was justly celebrated both at home 
and abroad, for his wisdom in adjusting and settling differences 
between contending parties. As a politician he was a friend 
and disciple of Washington. As a man he was prepossessino- 
and engaging. As a friend he was faithful and constant. As 
a neiglibor be was kind and obliging. As a husband he was 
attentive and tender. As a parent he was pleasant and af- 
fectionate. As to his religion, lie was a firm believer in the 
christian system, and a very constant, attentive, and appar- 
ently devout attender on public worship, all his life.' 



John Foster, Esq. appears from the records to have been a 
useful public man in his day, though but few facts of his life 
are known to the author. He was chosen moderator of town 
meetings for a long succession of years— was a surveyor of 
lands — an active justice of the peace — and for several years a 
representative of the town, Sfc. 



Rev. Jonathan Maxcy, S. T. D. President of Rhode Island, 
Union and Columbia colleges, was one of the most eminent 
pulpit orators of this country. H« wan born in this town, Sept, 



106 

2d, 1768. He prepared for college, in the school of the Rev. 
William Williams, of Wrentham, which was then the most cel- 
ebrated institution in the vicinity, and the resort of a great 
many young men for the pursuit of classical studies. He arad- 
uated at Brown University in 1787, and was immediately ap- 
pointed a Tutor. He was ordained pastor of the 1st Baptist 
Church in Providence, Sept. 8, 1791, and at the sanie time waa> 
appointed the first Professor of Divinity in that colletre.* Af- 
ter the death of President Manning, he was unanimously elect- 
ed President, A. D. 1792, at the early age oi twenty -fom- ! — • 
He presided over this University for eleven years, with distin- 
guished success and with a splendid reputation for eloquence 
and learning. His administration was marked by mildness, 
urbanity and dignity. Under bis guardianship the University 
aci)uired a distinguished name for oratory. Guided by his fos- 
tering genius, it sent forth a constellation of eloquent and ac- 
complished speakers, who have shone in various departments 
of public life, and whose eloquence has been felt in the pulpit, 
at the bar, and in the halls of legislation— many of whom have 
acquired a national renown. He was peculiarly fitted to stamp 
impressions of his own character on the minds of those around 
him, and to infuse his own spirit into theirs. He acquired a 
salutary influence over the youth committed to his charge. He 
imbued their hearts with a taste for literature and with a love 
of truth and moral beauty, — and excited in their bosoms, the 
most ardent aspirations after excellence. He knevv well how 
to kindle and fan the flame of Genius. His memory is cher- 
ished by all his pupils with peculiar afi'ection and gratitude. — 
In speaking of the University, it has been truly said, that he 
was one ' whose name and fame are identified with its repu- 
tation, and whose mingled mildness, dignity, and goodness, 
equalled only by his genius, learning and eloquence, subdued 
all envy, made all admirers friends, and gave him an irresisti- 
ble sway over the minds of those placed under his care.'t 

Though accomplished in every department of learning, he 
was distinguished more particularly as a Belles Lettres scholar* 

*He was the first and only professor of divinity ever appointeil in Brown 
University. 

t Hon, Virgil Maxcy's Discourse before the Phi B»ta K«ppa of Browa 
CniTersity, Sept. Ub, 18SS. 



lot 

His oratory was in some respects peculiar. There was noth- 
ing in it like rant or affectation — no appearance of that popu- 
lar declamation which is so often employed to captivate the 
multitude. There was apparently no attempt in it to produce 
effect — no labored display — but every thing appeared easy, 
natural and unstudied. It was deep — impassioned — but not 
declamatory. His voice was not naturally powerful, but he 
had it perfectly under his control through all its intonations. 
He usually commenced in a calm and moderate tone, but grew 
warmer and more animated as he advanced in his discourse, 
and gradually and imperceptibly gained upon the attention and 
feelings of his hearers, until every one present was wholly en- 
grossed upon the subject of the speaker. Indeed, he himself 
seemed completely absorbed in his own subject, and by the in- 
fluence of sympathy carried his audience with him. 

His delivery was remarkably expressive. Every sentiment 
he uttered came from the heart and vibrated through his whole 
frame. — Every cord and muscle was an echo to his soul. His 
elocution was full of grace — yet his poioer was not in this 
— It was in the life, — the soul, — which he infused into his voice, 
— his gestures, — and his countenance, — all expressive and har- 
monious. His eloquence was at once graceful and forcible.— 
In a word, he had in perfection, what Demosthenes called Ac- 
tion. 

He did not neglect to cultivate the minor graces of elocu- 
tion. He never made a prayer or delivered any thing in pub- 
lic, extempore, even on the most ordinary occasions, in which 
every sentence and every word were not accurately arranged 
and in their riglit place. Though his voice was naturally fee- 
ble, it was able to occupy a large compass, and every word 
and every syllable he uttered, in the largest audience, fell dis- 
tinctly on the ear of the most distant auditor. 

The following extract will show the estimation in which he 
was held at the South. It was written but a short time previ- 
ous to his death, and contains a brief but lively description of 
the impressive effects of his eloquence, even when his powers 
were impaired by advancing age and feeble health. 



108 

From the Charleston City Gazette. 
Extract of a letter from a gentleman residing in Columbia, to his 
friend in Charleston. 

"Columbia, 6th July, 1S19. 
"Last Sunday we went to hear Dr. Maxcy. It heiug the 
4th of July, it was a discourse appropriate to that eventful pe- 
riod. I had always been led to believe the Doctor an eloquent 
and impressive preacher ; but had no idea, till now, that he 
possessed such transcer.dant powers. I never heard such a 
stream of eloquence. — It flowed from his lips, even like the oil 
from Aaron's head. Every ear was delighted, every heart was 
elated, every bosom throbbed with {gratitude. Such appropri- 
ate metaphor ! such grand, such sublime descriptions! such 
exalted ideas of Deity ! and delivered with all the grace, the 
force, the elegance of a youthful orator ! I was sometimes in 
pain, lest this good old man should outdo himself and become 
exhausted ; but as he advanced in his discourse, he rose in an- 
imation, till at length he reached heights the most sublime, 
and again descended with the same facility with which he soar- 
ed. So far as I can judge, (and your partiality, I know, will 
allow me to be no mean critic) there was not heard the slight- 
est deviation from the most correct enunciation and grammat- 
ical arrangement; all the powers of art seemed subservient to 
his absolute control. In short, I never heard any thing to 
compare to Dr. Maxcy's sermon, in all the course of my life; 
and, old as I am, I would now walk even twenty miles through 
the hottest sands to listen to such another discourse. I am 
persuaded, I shall never hear such another in this life." 

His most celebrated performance, while he presided over 
Brown University, regarded as a specimen of pulpit oratory, 
was his sermon on the existence and attributes of God, deliv- 
ered at Providence in 1795, which is frequently spoken of, 
even at this day, and produced at the time the most lively and 
striking effect on the audience. Those who heard it will nov- 
er forget it. The impression it produced was the result, in a 
great degree, of the manner of its delivery. Such a brilliant 
effort of eloquence has seldom been witnessed in any house of 
public worship. This discourse, though enlivened by a bold, 
luxuriant, and brilliant imagination, and a loftiness of concep- 
tion, it y«t characterized by his usual neatness and simplicity 



109 

of language. Indeed, in his highest flights, his style of writing 
was always remarkable for a pure English idiom and a clas- 
sical simplicity of language. In fine, he was an eloquent ora- 
tor and a learned scholar. 

In 1802, Dr. Maxcy resigned the Presidency of Brown Uni- 
versity, and accepted that of Schenectady, N. Y. where he 
remained till the establishment of the new College in Colum- 
bia, S. Carolina, in 1804, of which he was appointed the first 
President, and immediately removed to that place, where he 
continued till the day of his death, June 4th 1820, at the age 
of 52. He was appointed to the ofiice of President the young- 
est, and presided the longest in proportion to his years, of any 
person in this country. He was connected with some college, 
either as student or officer, nearly 38 out of the 52 years of 
his life. 

In 1801 he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Divin- 
ity from Harvard University. 

His vvife was Susan Hopkins, a daughter of Commodore 
Eseck Hopkins of Providence, by whom he had several daugh- 
ters, — and four sons, all of whom have been liberally educa- 
ted. Several of the sons still survive and are in the profes- 
sion ol'the law. His widow is still living in Columbia, S. C. 

He published a Discourse on the death of President Man- 
ning, 1792 ; a Sermon on the Existence of God demonstrated 
from the works of creation, 1795; a Discourse on the Atone- 
ment, in two parts, 1796; an Address to a Class, 1797; an 
Address to the graduating class, 1801 ; an Address to the 
graduating class, 1802 ; an Oration on the 4th of July ; and a 
Funeral Sermon before the Legislature of South Carolina, 
1818. 

This is necessarily, a brief, and, I fear, an imperfect sketch. 
It requires an abler pen than mine to portray the amiable and 
brilliant character of Maxcy, and to do justice to his splendid 
talents as an orator. Those only who knew him in the merid- 
ian of life, and who have seen and felt the power of his elo- 
quence, can give an adequate description, flis memory de- 
mands a tribute of filial afiection from some one of his many 
distinguished pupils, who are so deeply indebted to his example 
and instructions for the eminence which they now enjoy in 
public life. 

15 



no 

Hon. Ebenezer Daggett, who died recentlj, while a mem- 
ber of the Senate from Bristol District, affords the example of 
a life worthy of imitation by his fellow citizens. He was the 
youngest son of Col. Daggett whose life has been previously 
noticed, asd was born April 16, 1763. Few men in this town 
have devoted so large a portion of their time to the public ser- 
vice. He held a commission of the Peace for nearly 30 years, 
and honrtrably discharged its most important duties. He serv- 
ed the town at various times in the capacity of Selectman and 
lovvn Clerk upwards of twenty years. He represented the 
town several years in the General Court. A large part of the 
last thirty years of his life was occupied in some public em- 
ployments. In various ways he rendered himself serviceable 
to his fellow citizens. In the spring of 1831 he was elected a 
member of the Senate for this District. At the succeeding 
November election he was re-chosen to the same office ; — and 
while in the discharge of the honorable and responsible duties 
of this station, he was called by the order of Providence to close 
his life, at Boston, on the 4th of March, 1S32, in the 69th year 
of his age. 

Possessed of natural abilities above mediocrity, which he 
had improved by self-education, he always directed them to 
useful purposes. Plain and unassuming in his manners, mild 
and uniform in his disposition — he had won the confidence of 
his fellow-citizens, but never sought after the honors which 
were bestowed upon him. Guided by fixed and pure princi- 
ples, he was upright and honorable in all his dealings with his 
fellow-men ; and preserved a character of unsullied integrity, 
through a long and active life. He was regarded by his neigh- 
bors as their father and adviser. If they were in difficulty or 
doubt, they came to him for counsel and assistance, and both 
were freely offered. So great was their confidence in his in- 
tegrity and judgment, that he was generally the chosen umpire 
in cases of controversies between his fellow-citizens. He was, 
in fine, in the true and enlarged sense of the word, a, usefnl 
man. His life, indeed, as has been justly remarked of him, af- 
fords an encouraging example of the truth, that respectable 
talents united with integrity and industry will raise a man to 
honor and usefulness. 

The following remarks on the character of the deceased, are 



Ill 

extracted froin a Funeral Discourse, delivered at Altleborough 
22d April, 1832, by Rev. Mr. Ferguson. 

* Where is that venerated husband and father, that highly es- 
teemed and useful citizen, who scarce four months ago, stood 
bending under the bereavement of Providence, an unexpected, 
yet quiet and submissive mourner* in the house of the Lord ? 
Alas! he has gone down to the grave unto his son, mourning. 
The last opportunity which I enjoyed of conversing with our 
departed friend, was on the eve of his leaving home to attend 
to his official duties, in the Legislature, as a member of the 
Senate. I mention this circumstance, because it was then 
abundantly evident, that those official honors, M'hich are gen- 
erally sought as the rewards of successful competition, may 
come to be regarded as a burden rather than an honorable dis- 
tinction. During our conversation he lamented, that official 
duties obliged him at such a time to leave home, and to mingle 
in scenes so foreign to the state of his mind. He regretted 
that the choice of the people had not fallen upon some other 
candidate, and remarked, that such scenes were better adapt- 
ed to gratify those who wereyoun^- and aspiring, than the aged 
and afflicted. It is known to you all, that from that tour of 
duty, he never returned. To an observer it miist have been 
evident, that to commune with his own heart — to mingle his 
sympathies with tliose of his family, and to prepare himself for 
his own great change, would have been more congenial to his 
mind, than the halls of Legishuion, and the investigation of 
our political relations. In his case, moreover, political em- 
ployments had long ceased to be a novelty. He was emphati- 
cally a public man. Tv.enty years of his life had been occu- 
pied in superintending the interests of the town. Twice he 
was elected to the Senate ; — and perhaps no man among us 
has been more called upon to administer upon the estates of 
the deceased and to act as the guardian of the orphan. The 
general character which he sustained through life was that of 
uniformity, uprightness, and moderation. In the hottest strife 
of parties, although a public and a decided man, he never 
could be regarded as a partisan. He had been an actor and 
in some respects a public character from the time of the Revo- 



* For tbe sudden and violent death of a beloved son. 



113 

lution ; but through all the changes of the eventful times in 
which he lived, he continued to the last to stand forth before 
his fellow-citizens, in the character of an honest, upright, and 
consistant man. 

His last sickness commenced on the 23d of February. He 
had, the day before, in apparent health, attended the Centen- 
nial Celebration of the birth of Washington, and walked in 
procession with the other members of the Senate ; but all be- 
yond was his dying sickness. Early on the succeeding morn- 
ing, he was violently attacked with a fever, which terminated 
in death on the 4th of March. 

I have felt it my duty, in view of his public character, to en- 
ter into details which, in other circumstances, might have been 
inexpedient. In the relations of life ; in his intereourse be- 
tween man and man ; in the maintenance of a character for 
uniformity, uprightness, and self-possession, his works praise 
him, and he is with us, for an example. In all that is beyond, 
it is ours to consign him to his grave and to his God. Happy 
would it be for our community, were our party divisions always 
controlled by men of equal mildness and moderation — happy 
would it be for our community, did all our public men mani- 
fest an equal regard for the maintenance of order, morals, 
and religion.' 



There were many other worthy and useful citizens, who de- 
serve commemoration in this place, — who, though dead, yet 
live in their works. But at this distance of time it is difficult 
to ascertain the peculiar traits of their character, and the 
events of their lives. The retired but useful employments in 
which they were engaged, and the ' even tenor of their lives,' 
supply but few prominent incidents for the pen of the biogra- 
pher. The sketches already given aftord a respectable list of 
public men for a humble country town like ours. 



us 

A LIST OF THE Graduates at Brown XJkiversity from 

THIS TOWN. 

Graduated. 

1776. Preston Mann, A. M. son of Doct. Bezeliel Mann, Phy- 
sician — settled in Newport, R. I. 

1783. Othniel Tyler, A. M. son of John Tyler, Lawyer, Sud- 
bury, Mass. 

1787. John Milton Mann, son of Dr. Bezeliel Mann, Phy- 
sician, settled in Hudson, N. Y. and was drowned in 
crossing the river of that name. 

1787. Jonathan Maxcy, S. T. D. son of Levi Maxcy, bora 
Sept. 2d, 1768, President of Providence College, Un- 
ion, Schenectady N. Y. and Columbia College, S. C. 
died at the latter place June 4th, 1820, set. 52. 

1788. Jesse Blackington, son of Peter Blackington, resides in 

Ashtabula, county of Ashtabula, Ohio. 

1788. William May, son of Elisha May, born Jan. 26th 1764, 
student of law, died July 12th 1790, in the 27th year of 
his age. 

1789. Paul Draper, A. M. son of Stephen Draper, born Sept. 
19th 1767, entered on board an American man of war, 
and was never after heard of. 

1790. Aaron Draper, son of Josiah Draper, born Nov. 29th 
1764, never studied a learned profession — settled in 
Providence R. I. where he died. 

1802. Gardner Daggett, A. M. son of Elijah Daggett, born 
Dec. 20th, 1782, lawyer. Providence, R. I. where he 
died. 

1802. Milton Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy, born Jan. 1st 1782, 
lawyer in Beaufort, S. Carolina, where he died of the 
yellow fever in 1818. 

1803. Jason Sprague, A. M. son of John Spragne, was, for 
some time. Preceptor of the High School in Newport, 
R. I. He died in the United States army. 

1804. Virgil Maxcy, son of Levi Maxcy, lawyer in Baltimore 
Maryland, now Solicitor of the Treasury of the United 
States, Washington City. 

1807* Lorenzo Bishop, son of Zephaniah Bishop, born Aug. 
20th 1785, student of law, died in Attleborough, May 
26th 1809, set. 23. 



114 

1809. Jacob Ide, A. M. Rev. son of Jacob Ide, minister in 

Medway, Mass. 

1809. William Tyler, Rev. A. M. son of Ebenezer Tyler, 
minister at Weymouth, and now at South Hadley, Mass. 

1811. Benjamin Cozzens, A. M. son of Benjamin Cozzens, 
formerly lawyer at Pawtucket — now resides at Provi- 
dence, R. 1. 

1811. Hartford Sweet, A. M. son of Gideon Sweet, born Oct. 
30th, 1790, had not finished studying his profession — 
died at the South in 18 . 

1817. Everett Bolkcom, son of Jacob Bolkcom, born Sept. 
1796, lawyer, Attleborough, died Dec. 19th, 1823, 
a;t. 27. 

1821. James O. Barney, Rev. son of Barney, of Provi- 
dence, R. I. minister at Seekonk Centre, Mass. 

1821. Moses Thacher, Rev. A. M, son of Thacher, min- 
ister in North Wrentham, Mass. 

1822. Preston Cummings, Rev. son of David Cummings, min- 
ister in Dighton, Mass. 

1822. Henry H. F. Sweet Rev. son of Henry Sweet, born 
Nov. 1st, 1796, minister in Palmer, Mass. died Feb. 
20th 1827, aet. 30. 

1822. John Wilder, Rev. A. M. son of John Wilder, minister 
in Charlton, now in Concord, Mass. 

1823. Benoni Allen, Rev. son of Allen, preacher in 

Ohio. 

1824. Ira Barrows, M. D. son of Barrows, physician, 

Pawtucket, Mass. 

1825. Hermon Bourne, M. D. son of Andrew Bourne, physi- 
cian, Boston, Mass. 

1825. William S. Stanley, M. D. son of Thomas Stanley, phy- 
sician in Mamaroneck, N. Y. 

1825. Samuel T. Wilder, son of John Wilder, lawyer, Roch- 

ester, N. Y. 

1826. Jason B. Blackington, A. M. son of William Blacking- 
ton, lawyer, in Holden, Mass. now in Ohio. 

1826. John Daggett, A. M. son of Ebenezer Daggett, lawyer, 

Attleborough. 
1831. Salmon C. Perry, son of Josiah Perry. 



115 

There have been graduates from this town at several of the 
other New England Colleges. A full list of their names has 
not been obtained. Among them was, 

John Barrows who graduated 1776 at Harvard College, 
was son of John Barrows. He married his wife in Cambridge, 
and settled, as a schoolmaster, in Dighton, Mass. where he 
died. 

At Yale College, in 1748, Naphtali Daggett, of whom a 
sketch has been already given. In 1762, Philip Daggett, 
brother of the last named, was born 11th September, 1739; he 
settled and died in New Haven. Henry Daggett, who grad- 
uated at Yale College, in 1771, son of Elder Elihu Daggett 
(mentioned in page 68) was born 9th April, 1741 — settled at 
New Haven, where he was at first a merchant, subsequently, 
Police magistrate, Alderman of the city, ifcc. He died 11th 
Aug. 1830. In 1783 graduated the Hon. David Daggett, 
L. L. D. the present distinguished and learned Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court of Connecticut. He was formerly a Sena- 
tor of the United States, and has been for several years Pro- 
fessor of Law in Yale College, <fec. In 1761 graduated Rev. 
Pelatiah Tingley, A. M. son of Timothy Tingley. 

He was a Baptist preacher, and was settled in Sanford, 
Maine. About 1780, he became a seceder from the prevailing 
sect of Baptists, and was the first minister who united with El- 
der Benjamin Randall, the founder of the new sect, usually 
denominated Arminian or Free-Will Baptists, who rejected the 
leadinff doctines of Calvinism.* 



NAMES OF SEVERAL FORMER PHYSICIANS IN AtTLEBOROUGH. 

Doct. Joseph Daggett (of Rehoboth) — Doct. Hewes, — . 

Dr. Abijah Everett — Dr. Bezeliel Mann — Dr. Richard Bowen, 
(of Rehobolh) — Dr. Joseph Bacon — Dr. Comfort Fuller (son 
of Noah Fuller)— Dr. Comfort Capron, (surgeon in the Revolu- 
tionary war) — Dr. Thomas Stanley. 



* See Benedict's His. Bap. vol. II. 410, where he is erroneously said to be 
a graduate of K. Island College. 



lie 



MISCEIiL-ANEOUS—TOPOGRAPHT, STATISTICS, &c. 

This town was incorporated in 1694. It derived its name, 
without doubt, from the town of Attleborough in Norfolk coun- 
ty, England, whence probably some of our early inhabitants 
emigrated to America, and settled, first at Hinghara, or Wey- 
mouth, thence removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards became 
purchasers and settlers of this town ; and, in remembrance of 
their native place, selected this name. This origin of the name 
is confirmed by the circumstance, that, in the English town, 
there is a river called Bungay, of about the same size as the 
one of the same name in this town. 

At the time of the incorporation it contained upwards of 30 
families, which, if we assumed only five as the number in each 
family (which is probably too low for that period) would make 
150 inhabitants. In 1790 the town contained 2166 inhabi- 
tants ; in 1800, 24S0 ; in 1810, 2716; in 1820,3055; and at 
the last census in 1830, 3215, exclusive of 12 families, contain- 
ing about 50 persons, which, since 1820, have been set off to 
Wrentham by the establishment of a new boundary between 
the towns, or rather, by restoring it to the original line, that 
of the old colony. 

A Table of the Population of this town in 1830, with the dif- 
ferent ages, S^c. 



j under 5 
Males 198 
Females] 209 

150 to 60 
Males 82 

Females] 115 



5 to 10 110 to 15115 to 20 
162 163 170 
182 186 204 



20 to 30 
233 
356 



30 to 40 
189 
231 



40 to 50 
142 
151 



60 to 70 
70 

75 



70 to 80180 to 901 

31 8 

32 15 



Colored Males 9 
" Females 2 



Whole number of females 1758 ; males 1457. Excess of 
females over males 301. 

Number of inhabitants in Bristol County 49,592. In Massa- 
chusetts 610,408. White males 294,685 ; do. females 308,674. 
Colored males 3,360 ; do. females 3,685. Total males 298,- 
045 ; do. females 312,359. Excess of females 14,314. 

In the United States, Males white and colored, 6,521,409; 
Females white and colored, 6,333,481. Excess of males 187,- 
928. Total 12,854,890. Add 11,130 seamen, &c. making the 
whole population of the United States, 12,866,020. 



117 

Tlie whole area of the town, according to the survey order- 
ed by the legislature, is 29,000 acres — by valuation 26,000. 

Number acres of woodland 2,158; fresh meadow 1,767; 
tillage lands, including orchards, 1,205; pasture lauds, 4,703; 
unimproved and unimprovable* land, 12,740; covered with 
water 360 acres. 

Number Dwelling Houses 409 ; Barns 345; 1 Tan-house; 
28 Shops; 12 Stores; 3 Grist Mills ; 7 Saw Mills; 8 Cotton 
Factories, containing about 13,000 spindles, and 350 Power 
Looms. 

Amount of stock in trade, $22,000; money at interest, $16,- 
400 ; stock in Bank, 6,700. Of the latter there is now much 
more. 

Whole length of roads in town is 100 miles. Number of 
Polls 591 ; Voters, on an average, 550. In 1790, according 
to Dr. Dwight, number of dwelling houses was 314. There 
are 23 School Districts, numbering on an average about 45 
scholars each. 

Rivers. They are worthy of notice not so much for their 
size, as for the valuable water privileges which they afford, 
and which are now occupied for manufacturing purposes. — 
There are several streams of water in this town, the principal 
of which is the Ten Mile River. It rises in the southerly part 
of Wrenthani, on the farm of Mr. John Fuller, and running in 
a southerly course through this town and through Seekonk, 
empties into Seekonk Cove, an arm of the Narragansett. Its 
length in this town is 13 miles; its whole length is about 25 
miles. Its average width is two rods and a half. This stream 
is exceedingly important to the interests of the town, for on 
this are our principal manufacturing establishments. 

There is another stream of considerable size, called the Sev- 
en Mile River, which crosses the road near Newell's Tavern, 
and bearing a southerly direction unites with the Ten Mile 
River, a little above Kent's Factory, near the line of Pawtuck- 
et. Its length is about ten miles. 



*This is a large estimate — doubtless more tlian truth will warrant. There 
is strictly but little land in this town which is absolutely unimprovable for 
purposes of anricullure — for tillage or grazing. There is, however, a large 
(juantily which is not actually umlev conslaat cultivation ; but there i.s only 
a small proportion of this which is not orrasionnllij cultivated 
16 



118 

Another small stream, called Abbott's Run.,* rises in the 
northeasterly part of Cumberland, and crossing the line, sev- 
eral times, between that town and this, falls into the Black- 
stone River just below the Valley Falls. 

The third or fourtli in size is Bungay (or sometimes Bungee) 
River, which has its source in the northerly part of the town 
near Mansfield line, a little below the Witch Pond, and after 
a journey of about five miles, over an unusually level bed, falls 
into the Ten Mile River nearly in the centre of the town, be- 
tween the Farmer's and Mechanick's Factories. Originating 
in a number of Springs it is an unfailing stream at all seasons 
of the year. A channel has been cut this year (1833) from 
the Witch Pond into the head of this stream. This Pond (as 
it is called) is an extensive quagmire, including about 15 acres ; 
only a small part of which is covered with water. It is rathei- 
singular in its appearance ; and may be justly considered a cu- 
riosity. A hard bottom has never been discovered in any part 
of it. In some places it will bear the weight of a man, but if 
he stands for a time, he will gradually sink till he is unable to 
extricate himself. 

The topography of the town contains nothing peculiar ; and 
it is therefore needless to enlarge upon it, as is often done in 
the sketches of our towns. Suffice it to say that, in this res- 
pect, it is similar to most towns in this vicinity — that its sur- 
face presents the usual diversity of hills and vales — that its soil 
embraces much land that is poor, and considerable that is good; 
and that its natural and agricultural products are the same as 
those of neighboring towns. 

There are two societies for the purpose of social improve- 
ment ; — 'The Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture, 
Arts, and Social Intercourse,' incorporated in 1816. It has a 
library of about 300 volumes. It holds its anniversary on the 
22d Feb. in memory of the Father of his Country. The sec- 
ond is the 'Social Library and Farmers' Historical and Geo- 
graphical Society,' established in 1805. The library contains 
about 200 volumes. 



* Said to have derived its name from one Abbott, a boy, who was drown- 
ed there in the early settioment of the place. It is supposed by some that 
the Indian name of this stream was Waioepoonseag i but this is doubtful 
conjecture. 



119 

A Lyceum was established in 1830. 

The town has 4 organized companies of Militia, 1 company 
of Cavalry, (mostly Irom this town) and one Independent foot 
company by the name of the 'Washington Rifle Corps/ which 
was chartered June 9th, 1815. Its uniform is a green frock, 
with pantaloons of tlie same color, or else white, and mili- 
tary caps with black plumes. It has enjoyed the reputation of 
beiKg one of the finest and best disciplined companies in the 
Brigade. 

In October, 1821, a splendid and appropriate standard, in- 
scribed with the motto, ' Protect lohat your father'' s obtained,^ 
was presented to this company by the Ladies of Attleborough, 
accompanied with a patriotic address — which was received 
with that gallantry which becomes the soldier. In their ad- 
dress, the fair donors expressed the strongest assurance that 
if the dreadful din of war should ever again disturb our belov- 
ed country, this band would be found in the advanced guard 
of its brave defenders, asserting its rights and maintaining its 
honor ; charging them to imitate the virtues of the illustrious 
patriot whose name they bore ; — 'to protect what our Fathers 
won,' that they might continue to enjoy the rich blessings 
which we inherit from them. 

In reply, they declare that the name of Washington is alone 
sufficient to inspire the hearts of American soldiers with the 
liveliest feelings of patriotism— but v^hen that name is heard 
from the lips of Columbia's Fair, and the Banner of our coun- 
try is received from their hands, a noble ambition fires their 
bosoms with a firm determination to shield, from every attack, 
the freedom bequeathed to us from our fathers ; and in conclu- 
sion assure them, that this standard shall never be wrested 
from their hands by a foreign enemy, or rent by an internal 
foe. The whole ceremony on both sides was impressive and 
interesting, and was conducted on both sides with propriety 
and dignity. 

The Names of its several commanders are 1st, Capt. Elihu 
Daggett, Jr. — 2, Capt. Chester Bugbee — 3, Capt. William Ev- 
erett— 4, Cai)t. Wiilard Robinson — 5, Capt. Virgil Blackington 
— 6, Capt. David E. Holraan. 

In the winter and spring of 1816, this town was visited by 
the most fatal sickness which was ever known in these parts. 



120 

It extended to several other towns adjoining ; but did not prove 
so fatal as here. It swept off in the short space of 90 days, 
about 100 inhabitants, a large proportion of them heads of 
families, and many of them the most useful and respectable 
citizens of the town. It was commonly called the cold plague. 
It generally terminated in a few days. Very few who were 
attacked with it, recovered. No disease of the same kind has 
ever been known here either before or since that period. 

No Bills of Mortality have been regularly kept ; and the av- 
erage age of the inhabitants in any given period cannot be as- 
certained. There have been several instances of very long 
lives. Dea. Elkanah Wilmarth died at the age of 99 years 
and 7 months. Mary Freeman, relict of Jon. Freeman, died 
March 4th, 1762, aged about 100 years. 

Wid. Sarah Claflin, relict of Antipas Claflin, died in Sept. 
1777, supposed to be 100 years and 6 months old. Capt. Sam- 
uel Robinson lived to approach very near the age of 100. — 
Zephaniah Robinson also reached a very advanced age. 

John Shepard (who was a native of Foxborough where he 
lived till a few years before his death) died in this town in 
1809, at the extreme age of 105 years. He retained all his 
faculties of mind and body, except his eye sight, to the last, 
and was just able to walk, with a little assistance, till a few 
days before his death.* He lived over a hundred years on his 
native spot. He was a man of pious character ; — cheerful in 
disposition — ^jocose, witty, and of a quick understanding. He 
was deprived of his eye sight on a sudden, during the night — 
and was not himself aware of it, until the next morning, when 
he sought in vain for the light of day. He could distinctly rec- 
ollect events which had occurred a century before. 

He had one son and several daughters. Two of his daugh- 
ters lived to upwards of 80 years; and anotheif Mrs Mary 
Mann, of Wrentham, who died in 1828, lived to the age of 97 
years. She retained all her faculties, and usual cheerfulness 
and vivacity till the last fifteen years of her life. She abstain- 
ed almost wholly from animal food, and never was in the hab- 
it of drinking tea or coffee, and wondered how people could 



* It is of him that the well known anecdote is told, that he lived in two 
Counties and four different towns, and yet naver moved [during that time] 
from tUe spot where be was boru. 



12\ 

love either. Her most common food was milk. She adhered 
to the same fashion in dress for 80 years. 

A more particular description of the different Manufactur- 
iii^ establishments in this tovvn is here subjoined. 

The first factory in course was the Beaver Dam Factory, 
(recently owned by Bugbee & Haven) which was burnt in the 
summer of 1832. 

The Falls Factory (so called) was built by the 'Falls Manu- 
facturing Company', which was incorporated in 1813. It was 
commenced in the fall of 1809 — in February, 1811, it was 
burnt and immediately rebuilt. The privilege has about 30 
feet fall, and was the first occupied as a Mill Seat in this tovvn. 
The establishment employs 40 hands — 25 of them females.— 
It consumes about 150 bales New Orleans Cotton per year — ■ 
manufactures 250,000 yards cloth, light cahco printing, Nq. 
20. The building is wood, 70 feet by 34,-3 stories high. A 
New Reservoir was raised here in 1831, which covers 125 
acres. Connected with this establishment are 1 Machine Shop, 
1 Saw Mill, 1 Blacksmith's Shop, and a Grist Mill. In addi- 
tion to this factory, a new, handsome and durable building, 
made of stone procured in the neighborhood, was erected in 
1831, 68 feet by 38 — 4 stories high, with a projection of 15 feet, 
and is filled with new and improved machinery. It is run by 
Jon. 6f Geo. Bliss, and employs about 40 hands. 

'The Farmers^ Factory,^ was established in 1813, by the 
Farmers' Manufacturing Company. It is now owned by Jon- 
athan and George Bliss. Number of hands employed is 23, 
of wiiich 17 are females. No. bales cotton (New Orleans) 
consumed per year, about 75 — yards cloth (calico printing, 
No. 30) manufactured per year, 135,000. It has about 13 feet 
fall. 

Mechayiics' Factory, commenced in 1811. The first firm 
was Ingrahara, Richardson Sf Co. The second was Whita- 
ker, Richardson &- Co. — The next took the name of The Me- 
chanics' Manufacturing Co. The establishment is now owned 
by Samuel and Jesse Carpenter. It has about 40 looms, 1036 
spindles, Patterson Machinery, — manufactures per annum 
about 291,000 yards, calico prints, No. 27, — employs 38 hands 
— 27 females. The building is 3 stories high — 84 feet by 32. 
Connected with it is 1 Trip hammer shop — and Grist Mill — 



182 

This Village now constitutes a school district, No. 22. Twen- 
ty-three years ago it numbered 1 child. It has now 35 schol- 
ars in families belonging to the establishment. A school is 
kept from 6 to 8 months per annum, — at which 24 scholars usu- 
ally attend. 

Dodge's Factory, is the next in course. It was established 
in 1809, by Eben. Tyler, Esq. of Pawtucket, Nehemiah Dodge, 
Peter Grinnell &> Son, and Abner Daggett of Providence, Elias 
Ingraham and Edward Richardson, of Attleborough, under 
the firm of The Attleborough Manufacturing Company, Eben. 
Tyler, Agent. The building at first was 88 feet by 31 — 3 sto- 
ries high including the basement story. In 1820 it contained 
1320 spindles, when Josiah Whitaker and John C. Dodge, \»f 
Providence, purchased one half of the factory. In the spring 
of 1821, the name was changed to that of the Tyler Manufac- 
turing Company, under the agency of J. C. Dodge. In 1822, 
Nehemiah and John C. Dodge, purchased the remainder, ar>d 
continued the business under the style of N. and J. C. Dodge. 
In 1829, they built an addition to the factory, of 96 feet, mak- 
it 184 feet by 31. It now contains about 4000 spindles and 
92 power looms, and gives employment to 130 hands. It is 
the largest establishment of the kind intown. The village, 
which is known by the name of Dodgeville, has been recently 
very much improved under the superintendance of the present 
agent. It contains a population of 260 persons (all connected 
with the manufacturing establishment) 1 Machine Shop, 1 
Picker House, 1 store, 1 Blacksmith shop, 4 Barns, 15 Dwel- 
ling Houses, many of them new. It forms district No. 23, and 
has a new, commodious and uncommonly well-finished school 
house, where a school is kept the greater part of the year. 

The Atherton Factory, now owned by Thomas Harknessand 
Thomas J. Stead, of Providence, was established about 1812. 
The spot was anciently known as Chaff"ee's Mills, where a saw 
mill and Grist-mill were early built. An addition was made to 
the factory in 1828— making the building now 98 feet by 32. — 
It employs about 60 hands — 40 females— consumes about 250 
bales New Orleans cotton per year — manufactures cloth No. 
26-28. It has 1600 spindles and 42 looms. In connection 
with it is a Grist mill. The establishment has been owned and 
improved by several different companies. It was incorpora- 



123 

ted in 1816, by the name of 'The Atherton Manufacturing Com- 
pany.' 

All the above mentioned manufactories are on the Ten Mile 
River. 

The City Factory, owned by Daniel Read & Co. situated 
on the Seven Mile River, (which is the only cotton factory on 
that stream) was built in 1813. It was burnt in 1826, and re- 
built immediately after. The building is now 40 feet by 34 — 
3 stories high. Number of hands employed is 17, of whom 12 
are females. It runs 700 spindles and 20 looms — consumes 
50 bales New Orleans cotton, and produces about 1800 yards 
per week. In connection with it is 1 Machine shop, which 
employs 12 workmen — and 1 Grocery Store. 

Lancsville Factory, situated on Abbott's Run, was built in 
1826, 70 feet by 36 — 60 feet high (including 4 stories and the 
garret) generally employs about 70 hands, of whom 30 are fe- 
males — consumes 4 bales New Orleans cotton per week, and 
manufactures 400,000 yards calico printing cloths, No. 25. — ■ 
It has about 12 feet fall ; and runs 2000 spindles and 50 looms. 
Connected with it are a Grist mill. Saw mill, Machine shop 
for repairs, and a variety store. It is owned by Milton Bar- 
rows and others. This establishment has created around it a 
neat and handsome little village — like many of the New Eng- 
land factory villages.* 

Button Factory — Robinson, Jones, ^ Co. This was the 
first button manufactory in the United States. The original 
Company (of which the present are the successors) began the 
business on a small scale, and it has been gradually increased 
until it has reached its present extent. They met with many 
embarrassments and discouragements in the early stages of the 
business. 

The manufacture of Metal Buttons was commenced in 1812 
by Col. Obed and Otis Robinson ; and that of Glass Buttons in 



* Tbis little stream, which rises and terminates in Cumberland, its whole 
course not being more than 8 or9 miles, is yet able to furnish water power 
for several factories and other mills. The first factory is Walcott's, in Cum- 
berland — the next is Lanesville, in Attleborough — the third is French's 
Factory, in Robin Hollow (so called) — 4lh, Abbott's Run Mills, which in- 
clude two factories. On this stream above Lanesville, are also several 
Gristmills, Sawmills, IMachine shops, &c. On a branch of this stream, 
near its junction whh the Blackslone, is Carpenter's Factory. 



124 

1823, by Richard Robinson ^ Co. consisting of Richard Rob- 
inson, Virgil Blackington, and Willard Robinson— which firm 
was continued till about 1817, from which time it was carried 
on by Richard Robinson alone till 1826, when a new compa- 
ny was formed, under the same style of Richard Robinson «fc 
Co. for the term of 5 years, which expired in May 1831. At 
this time the present firm was established, consisting of Rich- 
ard and Willard Robinson, William H. Jones and H. M. Dra- 
per, under the name of Robinsons, Jones, 4* ^o. They com- 
menced business in a small shop about 35 feet by 22, an addi- 
dition to which was made in the sunimer of 1826— in which the 
machinery was carried by horse power. It was in the latter 
part of the year 1826 that they began to work on the Gilt 
Button. 

In 1827 the Company erected a Brick factory 2 stories high, 
60 feet by 25 — and in 1828 the business required an addition 
of 25 feet long. The machinery is carried by water power (on 
the Ten Mile River) : the Rolling Mill connected with the es- 
tablishment was built in 1822, 60 feet by 25. In 1832 the com- 
pany built another shop, of wood, 1 story high, 60 feet by 25. 

The number of hands employed is 75, of whom 30 are fe- 
males. They manufacture about 100 gross per day. At dif- 
ferent times they have produced various kinds — from 1826 to 
1832, they manufactured the common gilt, which competed in 
a good degree with the English. Since 1832 they have manu- 
factured all the varieties which the market demands, the com- 
mon Button, the Navy, the Military, Fancy, and Sporting But- 
tons — which have been acknowledged superior to any other in 
the market, in the beauty, finish, and durability of the work. 
This company has brought the manufacture of this article to 
such perfection, by various improvements and the skill of the 
workmen, as to compete fully with all others in the market 
whether domestic or foreign — indeed, if proper encouragement 
should be given by adequate protection to this branch of in- 
dustry, it would soon be suflicient to supply all our home de- 
mands and exclude the foreign entirely from our markets. — 
This company have received all the contested premiums which 
have been offered by the Institutes of New York, Philadelphia, 
and Boston — sometimes jointly with others. They have in 
their possession 3 Medals (silver) and 5 Diplomas. 



125 

Several important improvements in the mode of manufacture 
have been made by one of the firm, Mr. WiHard Robinson, for 
some of which patents have been secured. 

A common gilt button which appears when finished so sim- 
ple, undergoes in the course of being manufactured over 30 
different processes — some of which require great skill and ex- 
perience. Each button is separately handled twenty one times. 
Some of the females mentioned as connected with this es- 
tablishment are employed principally in drying, sorting, pa- 
pering, and packing — and others in edging, cramping, placing 
the eye and preparing it for soldering. It furnishes for females 
a neat, agreeable and profitable occupation. 

The capital employed by this establishment is about $50,000. 
They use in gilding about $15,000 worth of pure gold, gener- 
ally obtained in its natural state ; and consume 40 tons of Le- 
high Coal, annually. 

The number of tenements occupied by those employed in the 
factory is 13. Several new dwelling houses have been lately 
erected for their use. 

Agencies for the sale of this article have been established in 
all the principal cities in the Union. Some of the articles have 
been exported to foreign countries — to S. America, Hayti, and 
several of the West India Islands. The button now manufac- 
tured is equal in every respect to the English, and perhaps su- 
perior in durability. 

Another manufactory of Buttons was established in Oct. 1832, 
by a different firm, under the name of Robinson, Hall & Co. 
The shop is situated near Newell's Tavern, on the Seven Mile 
River — it is 30 feet by 20. An additional shop is 'now build- 
ing, 35 feet by 25, 3 stories high. This establishment employs 
19 hands, of whom 10 are females; and when the new building 
is completed, it is estimated, it will employ from 25 to 30 hands 
in all. This company manufactures the Plain Metal Buttons 
—both Coat and Vest button of 3 different prices ; and produces 
about 75 gross per day. 

Manufactory of Jewelry — Draper^ "^'ff^ 4* ^^- — com- 
menced in 1821. They now manufacture, annually, to the 
amount of $15-20,000 worth. They employ from 12 to 15 
hands — part of them females. The building occupied for this 
business is two stories high, 40 feet by 22. Sales of the man- 
ufacture are made principally at New York and Philadelphia. 
17 



136 

They formerly carried on to a large amoant the manufacture 
of Patent Brass Door Ketches or Fasteners. The establish- 
ment is located on the Turnpike near Hatch's Hotel. 

Manufactory of Power loom shuttles — by Col. Willard Black- 
ingtou, at East Attleborough — commenced in the fall of 1827 — 
emplops 12 journeymen. About 25 doz. shuttles are produced 
per week in the establishment, at the rate of $6 per doz. He 
also supplies a large amount of shuttle mountings for the use 
of other shuttle makers. The whole amount of the manufac- 
ture of this establishment is about $10,000 per a7inum. The 
work has an extensive sale throughout the U. States — in Ma- 
ryland, Georgia, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, 
Ohio, and in all the New England States. Agents for the sale 
of this article are established at Pawtucket, George Muniford ; 
N. Adams, Ms. S. Burlingame ; Providence, R. I. Peter Grin- 
nell &, Son ; Norwich, Ct. Smith, Goddard &- Coats ; N. York, 
C. N. Mills ; Troy, N. Y. J. Merritt & Co. : Philadelphia, W. 
Almond ; Baltimore, Wells <fc Chace, &c. &.c. 

Hervey M. Richards has established a Jewelry Shop near 
the Union House on the Turnpike, — manufactures a variety of 
articles, watch keys, finger rings, guard chains, breast pins, «fcc. 
— commen^ied in 1831 — employs 12 hands — 3 females — 
Amount of manufacture about $8,000 per year. The building 
is 2 stories, 32 feet by i6. He rents- another shop on the same 
road, which employs 5 workmen. 

Samuel Phillip's Jewelry Shop, near the city— employs 
about 6 hands — manufactures the usual variety. Alfred Bar- 
rows has also established a workshop of the same kind. 

Richards <^ Price have a Jewelry Shop — commenced in 
1830— employs 6 hands— situated between the Turnpike and 
the Falls Factory. 

Dennis Everett's Jewelry Shop — commenced business in 
1831 — employs now 4 hands. 

The manufacture of Glass Buttons and steps was commenc- 
ed 6 years ago by Richard Everett, who employs in this work 
4 hands. 

Jesse F. Richards 4* Edwin Ellis have lately commenced 
the business of making Brass Butts and Castings, and the oth- 
er kinds of brass work. 

Virgil Blackington also manufacture Glass Step», and tm- 
ploys two hands. 



APPBJVDIX. 



[The preceding pages having been sent to the press as fast as they were 
written, many subjects were omitted in llieir proper places, which would 
have been included in the body of the work, if the author had suspected, at 
the time, tiiat it would have been extended to its present size. Some of 
them are here added.] 

CAPT. TH0M.4S WILLETT. 

Some notice of Capt. Thomas Willett who stands at the 
head of our Jist of Proprietors, and whose life is but little 
known, will not be deemed inappropriate. His history does 
not exclusively belong to this town, but, as he took so actvie 
and important a part in the original purchase and settlement 
of this and the neighboring towns, a brief sketch of his life 
seems to be demanded by the interest which our citizens must 
feel in his character. 

Capt. Willett was one of the last of the Leyden company, 
and came here about 1630. He was a \ery young man when 
he arrived in this country. He was a merchant by profession, 
and in his travels had become acquainted with the Pilgrims 
in Leyden, and had probably spent much of his time with them 
in Holland previous to their emigration to this country. He 
at first resided in Plymouth, and soon became a useful and dis- 
tinguished man in the colony. 

Soon after his arrival in 1630, though, as already observed, 
a young man, he was sent by the company of Plymouth, who 
had established a trading house at Kennebeck, to superintend 
their business as agent. While he wai residing there, Gov. 
Winthrop relates of him the following curious anecdote : 

'At Kennebeck, the Indians wanting food, and there being 
store in the Plymouth trading house, they conspired to kill the 



128 

English there for their provision ; and some Indians coming 
into the house, Mr. Willett, the master of the house, being 
reading the Bible, his countenance was more solemn than at 
other times, so as he did not look cheerfully upon them, as he 
was wont to do ; whereupon they went out and told their fel- 
lows, that their purpose was discovered. They asked them 
how it could be. The others told them that they knew it by 
Mr. Willett's countenance, and that he had discovered it by a 
book that he was reading. Whereupon they gave over their 
design.' — Win. Jour. I. 322. 

In 1647 he became the successor of Miles Standish in the 
command of the famous military company, at Plymouth.* 

He was, in 1651, elected an Assistant of the Governor, and 
was annually continued in that office till 1665, when other du- 
ties obliged him to decline, and James Brown, of Swansea, 
was chosen his successor. At this time he was selected by the 
Plymouth Court, agreeably to the re^^uest of his Majesty's 
Commissioners, to attend them at New York, (which had just 
been surrendered by the Dutch) for the purpose of assisting 
them in organizing the new government. 

It is mentioned by Davis in a note to his edition of Morton's 
Memorial, that ' Col. Nichols (one of the Commissioners) in a 
letter to Gov. Prince, written from New York, the spring after 
the reduction of the Dutch settlements, requests that Capt. 
Willett may have such a dispensation from his official engage- 
ments in Plymouth Colony, as to be at liberty to assist in mod- 
elling and reducing the affairs in this settlement, into good 
English. He remarks that Mr. Willett was more acquainted 
with the manners and customs of the Dutch than any gentle- 
man in the country, and that his conversation was very accept- 
able to them.' 

He executed his duties here to the entire satisfaction of all 
concerned ; his services were so highly appreciated, and he 



* 'March Tlh, 1647. The Military Company of New Plymouth, having 
according to order proposed unto the Court two men for every especial of- 
fice of their band, the Court do allow and approve of 

Capt. Thomas Willett, for Captain. 

IVlr. ThomaB Southworth. for Lieutenant, 

Mr. William Bradford, for Ensign.' 

Old. Gol. Rec. 



129 

rendered himself so popular with the people, that after the or- 
ganization of the government, he was chosen the first English 
Mayor of the city of New York. He was elected the second 
time to the same office. ' But,' (as Mr. Baylies the historian 
of Plymouth Colony has justly remarked) ' even this first of 
city distinctions conferred by that proud metropolis, did not 
impart more real honor to his character than the address and 
good feeling manifested by him in eftecting the peaceable set- 
tlement of the humble town of Swansea.' 

The Dutch had so much confidence in his integrity, that he 
was chosen by them the umpire to determine the disputed boun- 
dary between New York and New Haven. 

He was also for a number of years one of the commissioners 
or delegates of the United Colonies. 

Soon after the settlement of Rehoboth, Capt. Willett re- 
moved to Wannamoisett, now a part of Swansea, where he re- 
sided during most of the remainder of his life. A grant of the 
greater part of that township (Swansea) was made to him and 
others. With him was associated Mr. Myles, (the first Bap- 
tist minister in New England) and they two are justly esteem- 
ed the founders of Swansea. The manner in which they con- 
ducted the settlement of that plantation was just and honora- 
ble, and reflects much credit on the character of both. 

Capt. Willett always cultivated a friendly intercourse with 
the Indians, and gained their confidence and good will. Hence 
he was generally employed by the colony in the purchase of 
lands from the native chiefs.* 

The following order relating to him was passed by the Ply- 
mouth Court. 

March 1665-0. In reference to an order of Court bearing 
date the third day of October 1665, wherein our Honored Gov- 
ernor Major Winslow, Capt. Southworth, and Mr. Constant 
Southworth were appointed to be a committee in reference to 
a certain tract of land purchased by Capt. Willett on the north 
side of Rehoboth, which said order empowereth the said Com- 
mittee to dispose and settle a proportion of the said lands on 
the said Capt. Willett as they shall think meet ; and the Court 

* He was the original purchaser of the Rehoboth Nor4h Purchase (Att/e- 
borough and Cumberland)— Taunton North Purchase (Norton Mansfield 
and Easton) and many other tracts of land in the vicinity. 



150 

do there/ore «ettle and eonfirm unto him four or five hundred 
acrets of the said lands, to be laid out for him on the Easterl/ 
side or end of the said lands, to him and his heirs forever.* 

Behoboth also voted him a grant for his services to that town. 
•21st 12th mo. 1660. In town meeting it was voted that Mr. 
Willett should have libertj to take up five hundred or six hun- 
dred acres of land northward or eastward beyond the bounds 
of our town, where he shall think it most convenient to him- 
self. — Rehoboth Records. 

Capt. Willett married Mary Brown (supposed to be the 
daughter of Mr. John Brown the 1st) at Plymouth, 6th July, 
1636, by whom he had several children ; Thomas ; Hester b. 
6th July, 1647; Bebecca, d. 2d April 1652; James, b. Nov. 
24,1649; Andrew; Samuel; Hezekiah, who died 26th July, 
1651 ; Hezekiah (2d) b. 16th Nov. 1652,— &c. 

His son James married Eliz. daughter of Lieut. Peter Hunt 
of Behoboth, 17th April, 1673; Hezekiah 2d, married Anna, 
daughter of Mr. John Brown 2d, of Behoboth, 7th Jan. 1675, 
and was killed soon after by the Indians in Philip's War. — 
John SaflSn (who had resided in Situate and Swansea) marri- 
ed a daughter of Capt. Willett, and settled in Bristol, B. I. 
and Samuel Hooker§ of Farmington, Ct. married another 
daughter.! 

Several of his descendants have become distinguished in the 
history of the country. His grandson Francis was a promi- 
nent man in Bhode Island colony. Another descendant,! his 



• This grant was laid out to him and recorded in the Rehoboth North 
Purchase Books. It lies on the Seven Mile River, and has always borne 
the name of Willetl's Farm. In 1720 it was divided into t#vo parts be- 
tween Capt. Samuel Tyler and Joyce Newell, widow of .Tacob Newell. — 
This farm was originally laid out with great regularity — in parallel lines — 
and its subsequent divisions have been preserved in good shape. 

} Baylies' Memoirs of Plymouth Colony. 

+ I find the following on the Boston Records (copied from Dorchester) 
by which it appears that there was a Thomas Willett in the latter town — 
probably the same. His wife, p 'rhaps, resided there during his absence in 
Kennebeck. — 'John,so8 of Thomas Willett and Mary his wife, born 8th 
.^th mo. 163 — ; Jonathan b. 27lh 5th mo. 1638 , d. 15th 6tb nio. ib ; Mary 
b. 26th 6 mo. 1639 ; Mehitible b. 14th 1st mo. 1641. 

ij: A descendant of Samuel. 



131 

great grand-son, Col. Marinus Willett, (lately deceased) serv- 
ed with distinguished honor in the Revolutionary war ; and 
had also been Mayor of New York city. Memoirs of his life 
have been recently published by his son William M. Willett. 

After a lesidence of a few years in New York, he returned 
to his seat in Swansea, where, after a life of distinguished use- 
fulness, he died 4th of August,* 1674, at the age of 63. He 
was buried at the head of Bullock's Cove (in what is now See- 
konk) where a rough stone is erected to his memory, contain- 
ing a brief and rudely-carved inscription (which is now legible) 
as follows : 

167ft 

?9erc 3l»etJ) tfic Hotss of tjc toortjin STJiomag BJIFdUtt, Esq. tojo 

ttitts atugust j« 4tJ) In tf)t 64tli gear of J)la afle anno— 

WHO WAS THE FIRST MAYOR OF NEW YORK, 

AND TWICE DID SUSTAIN THE PLACE. 

His wife Mary is buried by his side. She died about 1669. 

Thus the first English Mayor of the first Commercial me- 
tropolis in America, lies buried on a lonely and barren heath, 
in the humble town of Seekonk, at a place seldom visited by 
the footsteps of man, — with nought but the rudest monument 
to mark the spot. 

The farm which he laid out in this town, at High Squissit, 
and agreeable to the reservation in the Deed, (see p. 8) con- 
sisted of about 500 acres, (besides his meadow and several 
other lots) and was situated on both sides of the Seven Mile 
River, beginning near Newell's tavern. 

His share in the R. N. Purchase was sold by his son Capt. 
Andrew Willett to John Wilkinson the 1st. 



The Stone Monument erected at the angle in the Old Col- 
ony Line (which is referred to, in a note, page 44) contains the 
following inscription. On the south side is written 'Plymouth 
Colony' — on the north, 'Massachusetts Colony.' 

" This Monument by order of Government to perpetuate 
the place on which the lale Station or Angle Tree formerly 
slood. 



* In tlie Old Colony Records it is tn'td to have been the Sd Aug. but I 
have ehotea to rel j on the inscription upon his grava ston*. 



132 

The Commissioners appointed by the old Colonies of Ply- 
mouth and Massachusetts to run and establish this line in 1664. 
were Robert Stetson, Constant Southworth, Josias Winslow, 
Jos. Fisher, Roger Clap, and Eleazer Lusher. They began 
this work the 10th of May the same year, and marked a tree 
then standing on this spot, it being three miles south of the 
southernmost part of Charles River. 

Lemuel KoUock, Esq. was appointed Agent to cause this 
monument to be erected. — By order of the General Court. 

The Selectmen of the towns of Wrentham and Attleborough 
were present, viz. Elisha May, Ebenr. Tyler, and Caleb Rich- 
ordson, Esqrs. of Attleborough ; and Samuel Fisher, John 
Whiting, Nathan Hawes, Nathan Comstock, and Nathaniel 
Ware of Wrentham. 

From this Stone* the line is East 20 Degrees and a half 
North to Accord Pond. 

Done at Wrentham, Nov. 29th, 1790, by Samuel Fisher & 
Son." 

The line on which this stands — the boundary between Ply- 
mouth and Massachusetts Colonies — was a frequent subject of 
dispute during the existence of the colonies. The line was 
run five or six times by Commissioners appointed for the pur- 
pose. This now constitutes the boundary between Wrentham 
and Attleborough. 



The original title to the North Purchase was derived from 
Alexander, the son of Massasoit, and the elder brother of the 
celebrated Philip, Sachem of Pockanoket. The deed is trans- 
cribed in pages 6-7. His original name was Mooanam, af- 
terwards Wamsutta, or Wamsitta, and finally Alexander Pock- 
anoket, which last name was bestowed upon him, and that of 
Philip upon his brother, by the Plymouth Court, on occasion 
of the death of their father Massasoit. It appears to have been 
a custom with the aborigines in this part of the country, at 
least with their Chiefs, to assume new names on the decease of 
any one of the family to which they belonged. This custom 



♦ The stone is about 14 feet in height, and two feet in width, and of im- 
mense weight. 



133 

may perhaps be traced to some Eastern origin, as many of the 
Indian ceremonies have already been, by historians. 

A record of this transaction is preserved on the Old Colony 
Books, which, as I have never yet seen it in print, is here 
copied. 

• Jnne 6th 1660. At the earnest request of Wamsitta desir- 
ing that, in regard his father is lately deceased, and he being 
desirous, according to the custom of the natives, to change his 
name, that the court would confer an English name upon him, 
which accordingly they did, and therefore ordered that for the 
future he shall be called by the name of Alexander Pokano- 
ket ; and desiring the same in behalf of his brother, they have 
named him Phillip.' 

The colonists during this friendly intercourse could not have 
imagined that, in the course of a few years, the younger broth- 
er upon whom they were bestowing the name of an ancient 
conqueror, and who was possessed of all the natural talent and 
ambition, but not the power or the good fortune of his great 
namesake, would become their most dangerous enemy, and 
the terror of all New England. 

This document record clearly proves that IMassaoit (con- 
cerning the time of whose death there has been much contro- 
versy among his historians) died a short time previous to June 
6th 1660. 

The circumstance of the bestowment of these names upon 
these brothers is mentioned by the ancient historians (but not 
the occasion of it) and without fixing any precise date. They 
have usually assigned a date several years earlier as the peri- 
od of Massasoit's death ; but modern biographers and histori- 
ans have generally supposed it several years later than the 
true period.* 

From some circumstances within my knowledge it would 



» B. B. Thatcher ia his Indian Biography lately published, maintains 
that Massasoit's death must have occurred several years subsequent to 1661. 
His words are, ' Their father not being rnenlioned as having atteiided them 
at the observance of the ceremony (the confirmation of n treaty &c.) has 
probably occasioned tiie suggestion of his death. It would lie a sufficient 
explanation of his absence, however, that he was now an old man, and that 
the distance of Sowarns from Plymouth was more than 49 miles.' Vol. !• 
Chapt. VII. p.m. 

IS 



134 

appear that among some tribes of tlie natives the custom j)re- 
vaiied of changing their habitations on the decease of any 
member of the family. 1 have heard the following circum- 
stances related: On the farm of the late Ebenezer Daggett, 
Esq. formerly resided, previous to its occupation by the whites, 
several persons by the name of Read, who were said to be of 
a mixed race, part Indian and part Negro, and who were al- 
ways observed to change the location of their huts on the death 
of any one of their number. This occurred several times with- 
in the observation of the early settlers. This custom they 
probably derived from their Indian descent. The survivors, 
who lived till after the ' East Bay Road' was established which 
passed near their dwellings, desired that they too might be bu- 
ried near that road with their heads towards it, that they might 
hear the news whin the great Post stage passed ! Their request 
was complied with; and they were buried about ten rods from 
the route where the road formerly passed, with their heads iu 
that direction. The place where they were buried is still 
pointed out on a rising ground or valley between two hills. 
The hillocks (3 or 4 in number) were distinctly visible withia 
my remembrance. Thus they seemed to have no ideas of a 
physical extinction by death, — which was agreeable to the 
Egyptian notion. They seemed to consider death as some sort 
of natural change merely, and not a destruction of the material 
system. — Singular conceptions of a future existence. 



f Among the early settlers of this town was one Joseph Chap- 
lin, who became a Proprietor, and a great landholder. He 
came here from Rowley, Mass. and was the son of Rev. Hugh 
Chaplin.— [far. Reg. 

He was a man of singular tastes and habits. He lived 
alone, completely a hermit's life — abjuring all society, espe- 
cially that of the female sex. The cause of this seclusion is 
not certainly known — though tradition says, it was the faithless- 
ness of a young lady to whom he was engaged in early life. 
He built him a house — cooked his own food — and made his 
own clothes. He laid out a large (juantity of land (in th« 
whol« ov«r 700 acres) and kept a largt stock of cattle. Hs 



IS6 

planted several orchards and raised a variety of fruits. He 
laid out the most of that large tract of laud called the ' Half- 
way-Swamp.' He died about the year 1750, at a very ad- 
vanced age, and his property was inherited by his nephewa, 
Jonathan Chaplin, Elizabeth (who married Samuel Searl) and 
John Chaplin, all of Rowley, Mass. Chaplin was not mo- 
rose, but naturally benevolent; and would permit the neigh- 
boring women to come and partake the abundant fruits of 
his orchard, but was always careful to retire out of sight on the 
occasion. His only companions were a number of large cats. 
He was several times chosen on some town committee. 



In the first burying ground is the following inscription, 
■which is worthy of preservation. It is the celebrated epitaph 
on the Negro Slave, named Csesar, who was given to Lieut. 
Josiah Maxcy by his mother when he was a child. He was 
admitted to communion with the Baptist church in that place. 
Though simple hearted, he proved through along life remark- 
ably honest and faithful to his masters. He survived his first 
master, and after his own death, was buried in the same grave 
yard : a decent stone was erected to his memory by his young- 
er master, Levi Maxcy, with this inscription — which may yn 
be seen in the northeast corner of the burying ground, nt;.;-* 
Hatch's tavern. 

' Here lies the best of slaves, 
Now turning into dust; 
Caesar, the Ethiopian, crave* 
A place aoioDg the Just. 

His faithful soul has fled 
To realms of heavenly light, 
And by the blood that Jesus shed, 
Is changed from Biaek to White. 

January 15, he quitted the stage, 
Jn (b« 77th year of his age.' 
1T80. 



136 

The Commissioners who were appointed by his Majesty in 
1664, passed the following order respecting the boundary be- 
tween Rhode Island and Plymouth Colonies, a part of which 
was the West line of the Rehoboth North Purchase. 

'To the Great and General Assembly of Plymouth, and also of 
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 

By the power given us by his Majesty's Commission under 
his great seal of England, and directed by his Majesty's in- 
structions to make a temporary settlement of the bounds 
claimed by any Colony, of which we can make no final judg- 
ment by consent of parties, that the peace of the country may 
be preserved, till his Majesty's judgment and determination of 
their bounds be known. 

We order and Declare, the salt water to divide the main 
land and Rhode Island from Seconet Rocks northward to the 
point of the main land which'riext over against Mount Hope 
point to the said Mount Hope point, not touching upon Rhode 
Island, and so another right line from Mt. Hope point to the 
next point upon the main land, and so from point to point and 
from the last point a right line to the River's mouth called 
Seaconk«, and up said river called Seaconke below and Pau- 
tucket above till it meets with the Massachusett's line, to be 
the present bounds between his Majesty's colony of Plymouth 
and Rhode Island, till his Majesty's pleasure be further known 
concerning them. And we desire each colony to give the 
reasons of their pretences and a draught of their country ac- 
cording to their charters that we may give his Majesty true in- 
formation of them, which we proaiise to do. 

Given under our hands and seals at Newport on Rhode Is- 
land March the 7th 1664.' Robert Carr (seal) 

George Cartwright (seal) 
Samuel Maverick (seal) 

A true copy examined with the original. 

Per J. Willard, >Scc'y. 



Errita. In the list of Prop-ietors, page 11, by Rober Joans, so spelt 
ia the original, vvas intendeil Robert Jones. 

la the note, page '2.0, the dale, Jali/ 5lli, 16T1, should be connected with 
the succeeding words, it being the liuie of the passing of the order which i» 
there quoted. 

In the last note, page 2T, for 1765, read 167j . 

In pa"-es 79—80, for Aldrich read Nathan Aldis. 

PageNet, erase the second Note. Fa-e 93, line 9 from the top, for to 
read Jrom.' Page 94, line 5 from top, era^e the name Selli. Page 98, in 
second Note, second line, for 1769 rea.I 1700. Page 10'3, second line from 
bottom, for His second daushler read His dangler Eumce. 



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